OTTAWA, May 7, 2014 – Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, made the following statement to mark Belonging – National Day to End Bullying:
“We commend the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and CIBC for this great initiative, which draws attention to the serious issue of bullying. Our Government is taking strong action to protect Canadians against bullying and cyberbullying. Through education and awareness, prevention and enforcement activities and working with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, we are enhancing the safety and well-being of individuals and communities across the country.
We all have a role to play, individually and as a society, in making sure our children are safe - whether they are in a school yard or online. Bullying and cyberbullying are complex issues that require all of us to do our part. With this in mind, our Government has introduced legislation that would help address one of the more serious forms of cyberbullying: the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. We encourage all Canadians to get informed and educate themselves about cyberbullying and the harmful impact it has on its victims.
We strongly encourage all Canadians to speak out against bullying and cyberbullying. Stopping cyberbullying will require efforts from all levels of government, educators, non-governmental organizations, police, community groups, parents and youth but together, we can protect our youth and put an end to bullying.”
Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) and GetCyberSafe (@getcybersafe) on Twitter, and like us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GetCyberSafe).
Follow Department of Justice Canada on Twitter (@JusticeCanadaEn), join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/JusticeCanadaEn) or visit our YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/JusticeCanadaEn).
Information:
Jason Tamming
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
Paloma Aguilar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207
