Ten community groups from across Ontario are meeting in Guelph this coming weekend to look at ways they can encourage the Liberal Government and the opposition parties to overcome their political differences and pass a single piece of anti-bullying legislation that will help build safe schools for all students.
“The recent debate over Bills 13 and 14 have brought the bullying issue to the front of public awareness. The Anti-Bullying Coalitions of Ontario (ABCO) are calling on MPP’s to pass a single piece of legislation that will ensure that all students, parents and educators understand that bullying of any kind is not tolerated in Ontario schools,” said Lynne MacIntyre, chair of the Guelph Anti-Bullying Coalition (GABC).
The groups meeting in Guelph represent small and large communities across Ontario. Their members include parents, educators and community leaders wanting to end all bullying. There is a growing understanding about the social and economic impact of bullying and many local and province wide efforts which are bringing attention to the issue. Members of the ABCO will be looking at ways they can work together to take their message of safe communities to elected officials, businesses and families across Ontario.
“Bullying is a community problem that requires a community solution. Safe schools are a very important part of building safe communities where everyone knows that bullying is not tolerated or welcome” said Corina Morrison, Co-Founder of the London Anti-Bullying Coalition. “Blending the best parts of Bill 13 and 14 will help the schools and educators do their part to ensure safety in our schools for all students. However, bullying is a problem that does not stop in the schoolyard. That is why we are so grateful for the support we receive from community agencies, local businesses and boards of education. Together we can eradicate bullying.”
The meetings in Guelph will kick off with a welcome from Karen Farbridge, Mayor of Guelph, on Friday May 11 at 4:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre.
The GABC was formed in the spring of 2012 to grow awareness about the impact of bullying and build a clear and consistent community wide strategy to eradicate bullying in Guelph. Members of the GABC include parents, local community groups, the City of Guelph and area businesses.
