News September 23, 2013

MLAs to Discuss Anti-Bullying Law with Students

(YELLOWKNIFE) Monday, September 23, 2013 – The Standing Committee on Social Programs, chaired by Mr. Alfred Moses, will be visiting schools in Yellowknife and Norman Wells to receive input from students regarding Bill 12: An Act to Amend the Education Act. The bill establishes a definition of bullying, proposes the creation of a Territorial School Code of Conduct, and the development of safe school plans.

This bill is in response to a motion adopted by the Legislative Assembly in February 2012 calling on the Government of the Northwest Territories to establish a territory-wide campaign to denounce bullying and to provide information and resources for schools, parents, victims, and bystanders.

In addition to the public hearing on Monday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. in Committee Room “A” of the Legislative Assembly, the Committee will also be meeting with students of École Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife and Mackenzie Mountain School in Norman Wells to hear their thoughts on the proposed legislation. The meetings will take place on Wednesday, September 25 at 8:30 a.m. at Sir John Franklin High School and Thursday, September 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Mackenzie Mountain School.
 
This is the first time a standing committee of the Assembly has met with students specifically to discuss potential legislation. The Committee is looking forward to hearing from the students on this important and timely issue, and is grateful to have the opportunity to provide students with some information on the work of Assembly committees and the important role the public plays in consensus government.

For further information, please contact:

Alfred Moses                                                           
Standing Committee on Social Programs                           
Legislative Assembly of the NWT                               
P: 867-669-2282                                                      
E: alfred_moses@gov.nt.ca

Gail Bennett, Committee Clerk
Standing Committee on Government Operations
Legislative Assembly of the NWT
P: 867-669-2343
E: gail_bennett@gov.nt.ca