Mr. Speaker, bullying is a broad societal problem and a very serious issue in our schools that Education, Culture and Employment is dedicated to addressing.
On February 16, 2012, the Legislative Assembly passed an anti-bullying motion, calling on the department to establish a territory-wide campaign to denounce bullying, and review anti-bullying legislation in other jurisdictions and bring forward a bill for consideration by the Assembly within 18 months.
Mr. Speaker, I am happy to announce that later today I will move first reading of a bill to amend the Education Act that will include bullying prevention measures. But legislation alone, as many of you have told us, will not be enough. In collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, we will finalize our Territorial Safe Schools Action Plan to address bullying and develop regulations, policies and procedures that will create safe learning environments. This is a long-term investment with many partners, including Aboriginal governments, the Northwest Territories Teachers’ Association, school administrators, other government departments, families and communities.
The Safe Schools Team will assist in the development and direction of a Territorial Safe Schools Plan, for use by all schools in the NWT, and will be piloted next school year. This plan includes legislation, tools and resources, an educational training plan, along with new regulations, policies and procedures. It will help district education councils, authorities, and schools to monitor, measure and evaluate bullying-prevention initiatives. We will also continue to research best practices for safe schools, work collaboratively with educational partners, and collect, analyze and use data to support future decisions.
The department is committed to doing its part in addressing this complex issue and we believe that the legislation and action plan will support a safe learning environment for NWT students. This will help us take steps to address all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying. Bullying is a global issue, and we will continue to work with our partners across Canada to ensure we have a strong, collaborative approach to bullying prevention and to safe schools for all students.
A strong, prosperous territory begins with a strong society sustained by a healthy environment. We need to get it right from the start. This is an investment in a future where all of our children grow up to become healthy, educated members of society and can participate in creating sustainable, vibrant communities. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Lafferty. The honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Miltenberger.
