NDP calls on House of Commons to take action against bullying

OTTAWA – NDP Deputy Critic for LGBT Issues, Dany Morin (Chicoutimi–Le Fjord), tabled a motion in the House of Commons seeking to end the serious problem of bullying. Morin hopes to establish the basis for a national anti-bullying strategy.

“In the last year, we have seen a significant increase in bullying towards youth of all backgrounds. We can’t let the situation get any worse,” said Morin. “Thanks to my motion, the House of Commons has the opportunity to take concrete measures and lead a unified effort to end this scourge.”

The motion provides for the creation of a special parliamentary committee to study the different forms of bullying, such as physical, verbal and cyber bullying. By consulting affected families and organizations that work with youth, the committee will focus on creating better anti-bullying strategies.

Morin’s initiative is applauded by numerous groups that have worked for years to ensure that youth are able to live and grow in a safe environment. “Egale Canada has always fought to create a Canada that allows every person to achieve their full potential. MP Morin’s motion will call on the Government of Canada to take a leadership position to work towards this future, and Egale Canada fully supports this initiative,” said Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada.

“Bullying goes well beyond the scope of political partisanship. The House of Commons must be able to prevent bullying by showing leadership. This motion must be seen as the beginning of a Canada-wide discussion, and not just in Parliament. The message must be that bullying is never acceptable,” concluded Morin.