All parties called to support Anti-bullying Strategy

In the wake of yet another bullying related tragedy, New Democrat MP Dany Morin urged his colleagues today to support his motion to take leadership and develop a national strategy to prevent bullying.

“It’s a serious problem that affects all communities across the country,” said Morin. “Amanda Todd, a young girl from Vancouver, has just taken her own life after being bullied by her classmates. In December 2011, Marjolaine Raymond also took her life. There is a patchwork of organisations and groups doing great work in this issue but we need a pan-Canadian strategy to develop solutions and share best practices.”

Motion M-385 was given its first hour of debate today in the House of Commons. If adopted, it will ensure the establishment of a special committee to develop a national bullying prevention strategy.

“It will be an opportunity for elected representatives from all parties to stand up and say loud and clear that this type of violence is unacceptable," said Morin. "These tragedies can and must be prevented - lives can be saved - and we have a responsibility to help pave the way.”

Wording of the motion

M-385 M. Morin - That, given that bullying is a serious problem affecting Canadian communities, a special committee of the House be appointed and directed to develop a National Bullying Prevention Strategy to: (a) study the prevalence and impact of different types of bullying, including physical, verbal, indirect and cyber bullying; (b) identify and adopt a range of evidence-based anti-bullying best practices; (c) promote and disseminate anti-bullying information to Canadian families through a variety of mediums; (d) provide support for organizations that work with young people to promote positive and safe environments; (e) focus on prevention rather than criminalization; and (f) present a final report on bullying to the House of Commons within one year of the adoption of this motion.