Statement from Minister Blaney to mark Belonging: National Day to End Bullying

OTTAWA, May 6, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, issued the following statement to mark Belonging: National Day to End Bullying:

"We commend the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and their partner 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.

Bullying and cyberbullying can have profound and lasting effects.  All of us must do our part to make sure our youth are safe – whether they are in a school yard or online. On March 10, 2015, our Government's Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act came into force. This new law gives police the modernized tools they need to protect Canadians, in particular children and youth, from acts of cyberbullying. Specifically, the law prohibits the non-consensual distribution of intimate images.

In January 2014, our Government launched the anti-cyberbullying national awareness campaign, Stop Hating Online, to raise awareness among Canadians of the impact of cyberbullying and how this behaviour amounts to criminal activity. The national campaign has been very successful at informing parents and youth about cyberbullying with the YouTube interactive experience #WordsHurt, and the television ads "Consequences", and "Pass It On". In addition, Canada.ca/StopHatingOnline has been launched as a comprehensive resource for parents and youth that includes information, advice and tools needed to identify, prevent and stop cyberbullying.

Our Government is also supporting the development of a number of school-based projects to prevent bullying, including cyberbullying, as part of $10 million in funding through Public Safety Canada that was committed in 2012.

I strongly encourage all Canadians to speak out against bullying and cyberbullying. Everyone from all levels of government, educators, non-governmental organizations, police, community groups, parents and youth, have an important role to play in stopping bullying and cyberbullying in Canada. 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 (www.facebook.com/GetCyberSafe).

For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

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