Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In a perfect world there would be no bullying. Unfortunately, we see it all too often in our schools, in our communities and even in the workplace. However, there is some good news. The good news is that we have a lot of anti-bullying advocates here in the North. For example, today we just had a group of youth in the Great Hall to draw attention to this serious issue with the support of their educators, but it’s not only the youth who are our strongest advocates, we have groups and organizations across this great territory. We have strong advocates in the schools, the youth centres, friendship centres and in all of our communities, even here at the NWT Legislative Assembly.
Today Members are showing their support by wearing pink, as well as these boutonnieres. We’ve even gone as far as making an amendment to the Education Act to address the anti-bullying issue, and also taking the necessary steps towards legislation of the Safe Disclosure Act to protect our employees.
Today I’d like to recognize, acknowledge, continue to support and say thank you to all those across the NWT in our communities how have intervened at one time or another or have spoken up. Your help makes the North a better place to live and your actions not only stop bullying but help empower others, increase others’ self-esteem and show respect and demonstrate the openness about bullying that our society now accepts.
Although bullying continues across some of our communities in the Northwest Territories and it is continuing to be an issue, I would like to say thank you to all those who are advocates for anti-bullying, whether it’s in the schools, in the workplace and in the Legislature here I recognize all Members for standing up today and showing their support by wearing pink. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Moses. The Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.
