Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS bullying includes a range of repeated, intentional or hurtful behaviours such as threats, name calling, physical abuse, physical violence, shunning, shunning and excluding, stealing or breaking of person’s things and coercing people to do things they do not want to do;

AND WHEREAS in recent years, the use of social media and other information and communication technologies to bullying, also known as cyber-bullying, has become increasingly problematic;

AND WHEREAS people who are subjected to bullying may experience a range of harmful consequences including a loss of self-esteem and confidence, feelings of being unsafe and scared, depression and physical injury;

AND WHEREAS the effects of bullying may continue to be felt long after the bullying ceases;

AND WHEREAS the Northwest Territories does not have a territory-wide public education initiative, policies or legislation to counter bullying;

AND WHEREAS the Members of this Legislative Assembly which denounce all bullying behaviour in our schools and in our society at large;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Sahtu, that this Legislative Assembly strongly recommends the Government of the Northwest Territories establish a territory-wide campaign to denounce bullying including cyber-bullying and to provide information and resources for schools, parents, victims and bystanders;

AND FURTHER, 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;

AND FURTHERMORE, that the government provide a comprehensive response to this motion within 120 days.