Day of Reflection on Anti-Bullying - Discussions between Aboriginal organisations and the government of Quebec

QUÉBEC, April 24, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Ms. Francine Charbonneau, Minister of Families, Minister responsible for Seniors and Minister responsible for Anti-Bullying, and Mr. Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Native Affairs, hosted a day of reflection on Anti-Bullying to which representatives from Québec Aboriginal organizations were invited. This consultation process fulfills a commitment made by Premier Philippe Couillard after the anti-bullying forum held on October 2. Mr. Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador, Ms. Viviane Michel, president of Quebec Native Women, Mr. Jean Boucher, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Mr. Guy Leclair, Member for Beauharnois and Official Opposition critic for native affairs, and Mr. Mathieu Lemay, Member for Masson and Second Opposition Group critic for native affairs, attended the meeting.

Those who took part in this day of reflection discussed three topics that were on the agenda during the anti‑bullying forum, i.e. preventing bullying, responding effectively and offering support to those affected, including parents. They were therefore able to further delve into these issues with Native realities in mind.

"Today's meeting was another step toward the concerted effort required of people from all walks of life to fight and prevent bullying. To best take on this fight and fully define the issue, we have engaged in various consultations, including an online consultation and consultations aimed at young people and seniors, in addition to this consultative approach with Native peoples. I congratulate and thank all parties at this table, who, with their thoughts and vision, contributed to the collaborative action plan currently being developed to fight bullying," said Minister Francine Charbonneau.

"We had the opportunity to speak with people from different Aboriginal organisations today, from urban areas and communities, who are active in various sectors. This blend of perspectives significantly enriched our discussions and will inspire all the efforts to develop the collaborative action plan. In sharing their experiences and demonstrating their commitment to their communities and environments, they have shown perseverance and resilience," emphasized Minister Geoffrey Kelley.

It should be noted that the purpose of the anti-bullying forum was to mobilize the different parties concerned and identify directions and avenues for action for an eventual collaborative action plan to fight bullying. It was an opportunity to reflect on bullying at all ages, from children to seniors, in the real world and online. The forum brought together close to 200 people representing Québec's key anti-bullying partners.

Follow-up on ongoing commitments

Launch of award

The Ensemble contre l'intimidation award, which will recognize an individual and an organization having distinguished themselves by their actions against bullying in their community, was launched recently. Nominations can be submitted until June 5, 2015. For more information, go to www.intimidation.gouv.qc.ca.

Committee of experts on cyberbullying

Under the joint responsibility of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Security, and the Minister of Families, Minister responsible for Seniors and Minister responsible for Anti-Bullying, a committee of experts has been formed which began meeting last February and whose work to direct the government's efforts in the fight against cyberbullying is ongoing.

Development of the collaborative action plan

The collaborative action plan will be made public in 2015 and will present the actions of the government and its partners to prevent bullying in all its forms in Québec.

Information:

Léa Nadeau
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister of Families,
Minister responsible for Seniors and
Minister responsible for Anti-Bullying
Tel.: [phone]

Kimberly Labar
Press Attaché
Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs
Tel.: [phone]

SOURCE Cabinet du ministre responsable des Affaires autochtones

Léa Nadeau, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Families, Minister responsible for Seniors andMinister responsible for Anti-Bullying, Tel.: [phone]; Kimberly Labar, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, Tel.: [phone]