Mahsi, Madam Chair. I am pleased to be here today to speak about Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Education Act.

I’d like to thank standing committee for their thoughtful and important work on the bill. In particular, I congratulate the committee on going into the schools and speaking with the students and providing us with their feedback.

This is important information which will shape the action plans as we move forward.

Bill 12 speaks to the Motion passed by the Legislative Assembly on February 16, 2012,

recommending “the Government establish a territory-wide campaign to denounce bullying, including cyber-bullying, and to provide information and resources for schools, parents, victims and bystanders, and that the government review anti-bullying legislation measures being undertaken in other jurisdictions and bring forward a bill for consideration by this Assembly within 18 months.”

This bill supports and strengthens clauses already contained in the Education Act requiring school staff, teachers, principals and education boards to take action if they become aware that students are being mistreated or threatened. It defines bullying, including cyber-bullying, and provides for the creation of a territorial school code of conduct and the creation of safe school plans.

The safety and security of our students is always at the forefront of our actions and this bill underscores that tenet.

I would be pleased to answer any questions committee members may have. Mahsi.