Fervent Opposition to Anti-Bullying Consultations

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, was taken aback today following the Official Opposition Critic’s unusually negative reaction to a statement in the House of Assembly about the beginning of consultations designed to address bullying, intimidation and harassment among students.

“I could hardly believe what I was hearing,” said Minister Jackman. “The Opposition Critic basically indicated he opposed the actions the Provincial Government has taken – and is taking – to improve our collective ability to respond to bullying behaviour. It was quite an eye-opener.”

Minister Jackman had announced that, in fulfillment of a commitment made earlier this year, provincial consultations on bullying, harassment and intimidation of students will begin later this week, with the first focus group session to be held with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils.

“The Opposition Critic’s comment that this is another ‘feel-good statement’ indicates how far out-of-touch he is with the history of our Safe and Caring School initiative and how seriously our government has taken our role in protecting our students,” said Minister Jackman. “At a time when we should all be concerned about children being subjected to various forms of violence and harassment at school, I would think that all elected officials would be eager to support an initiative aimed at addressing the situation. Rather than oppose for the sake of opposing, the people of this province expect their elected representatives to be pro-active, and to take a rational approach to dealing with issues.”

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca 

2012 11 19             5:35 p.m.