Kathleen Wynne joins Ontario students to combat sexual violence on college and university campuses

TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - College and university students from across Ontario will be at Queen's Park today to participate in a Sexual Assault Roundtable organized jointly by Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. The Roundtable is part of a broader effort by the Ontario government to prevent and address sexual assault, harassment and violence not only on college and university campuses, but in communities and institutions across the province.

"Students have always been at the forefront of combatting sexual assault and gender-based violence on campus and in our communities," said Anna Goldfinch, Ontario National Executive Representative for the Federation. "The Premier has shown leadership by putting this issue front and centre at Queen's Park."

The Canadian Federation of Students has challenged sexual violence on campus through it's long-standing "No Means No" campaign that has been used by students' unions, administrations, bars and businesses across the country. The campaign was recently updated to include a "Consent is Mandatory" component to discuss the importance of consent.

"From Frosh Week chants promoting rape culture to social media conversations making light of sexual assault, this past year has shown how crucial it is for colleges and universities to be more proactive in addressing misogyny and rape culture on campus," said Pascale Diverlus, Constituency Commissioner for the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario. "It is our hope that this Roundtable is the beginning of a strong partnership with government to make our campuses and communities safer spaces for everyone."

Students look forward to working with the Premier and Opposition in the months ahead to create strategy, policy and legislation that can affect positive change on college and university campuses across Ontario.

The Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario is the oldest and largest student organization in the province, representing over 350,000 college, undergraduate and graduate students from Thunder Bay to Windsor and everywhere in between.

SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students - Ontario

Caitlin Smith, Campaigns Coordinator: 647-637-5317 or [email protected]; Anna Goldfinch, National Executive Representative, 647-339-4070 or [email protected]