Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government Department of Education, Culture and Employment has brought forward amendments to the Education Act, in response to a motion passed by this House almost two years ago, February of 2012. I’m very pleased that the government took notice of the request from Regular Members and subsequently took action to bring legislation forward. I do have concerns, however, with the legislation that’s presented.
Bullying is an issue throughout our society. It is not confined to our education system and our schools. As stated by an expert on bullying from Simon Fraser University, dealing with the problem requires politicians to not develop a one-size-fits-all approach.
Bullying perhaps affects our youth the most, but it occurs in our workplaces, as well, and it occurs both in and outside our schools. This legislation and these proposed amendments to the Education Act deal only with schools and should be considered nothing more than a start to combating bullying. It’s also recognized by experts and non-experts alike that legislation cannot be the only action we take to combat bullying. Members of this House recognized it in the motion we passed. It calls for the GNWT to “establish a territory-wide campaign to denounce bullying, including cyber-bullying, and to provide information and resources for schools, parents, victims and bystanders.” If we approve this bill amending our Education Act, it will have no effect unless we also run a significant awareness campaign.
In early August of this year, Nova Scotia’s cyber-bullying legislation came into effect. Even the Nova Scotia Justice Minister acknowledged “that this law and this legislation we put forward here isn’t the panacea for this issue.”
The question is often asked, and is as yet unanswered, can cyber-bullying laws really work. I say not on their own they can’t. To be effective, in addition to legislation, they must also have an awareness and education campaign. More importantly, we must have programs to address the root causes of bullying. There must be help for the victim, of course, but there must be help for the bully and his or her family as well.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker, we will not be effective in our battle to defeat bullies unless we develop broader legislation, legislation which addresses bullying wherever it occurs in our society, at school, at work, at home or at play.
I am glad the Minister of Education brought forward these amendments, but they must be considered as a first step towards combating bullying, not the last one. Thank you.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. Member for Weledeh, Mr. Bromley.
