“Today is a chance to celebrate diversity, to stand up, and let all young Canadians know that someone cares. The first step to address this growing problem in our schools and in the workplace is to listen, share and provide an ear to those who need someone they trust. Everyone deserves a safe space to learn and work.

“Let us work together today, on National Day to End Bullying, to ensure that our youth feels safe, sharing a sense of community and belonging. I hope all Canadians will join me today to spread this message of hope.”

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I had a real sense of belonging to my own family. Our time at home re-built our self-esteem. Our mother, in particular, would tell us that the mean kids were going to grow up to be real losers. She had this theory that bullies were generally insecure, jealous of kids who got good grades and would excel, while bullies would go on to be failures. I have to admit, it wasn’t very convincing at the time, but as I grew up, I saw that it was true!

I always had a sense of belonging from the animals that occupied my life at home. We had ponies and sheep, dogs and cats, a donkey, and chickens (although chickens do not really let you know if they notice you). I also found an escape from being treated badly at school through my books.  Reading a good book, (I loved the Narnia books) always helped me find a place of belonging. I worry about kids today when Facebook and texting can allow bullies to follow you home. Shut the door on bullies. Don’t pay any attention to anyone who is mean to you. They are not worth your time, but do tell your friends and any adults you trust that you are being bothered. That feeling of belonging comes from people (or even animals) who love you. There are more people who love you than you know. You just have to let them know you need a bit of support.

Elizabeth May, MP Saanich-Gulf Islands, Green Party Leader
Originally published on the Boys and Girls Club of Canada website.

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“I will be wearing pink today. Day of Pink is about speaking out and letting everyone know that we will not accept bullying and discrimination in our schools and workplaces. This remarkable movement is a testimony to the power of collective action,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands.

“All of us desire the basic human rights of freedom and dignity, which bullying destroys. Communities need not only to have zero tolerance for bullying but also resolve its root causes, too often a result of poverty and a lack of community education,” remarked Joe Foster, Human Rights advocate for the Green Party of Canada.

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In his opinion, would it be a good idea to include on this committee representatives of the other parties in the House, such as the Bloc Québécois and the Green Party?

Dany Morin: Mr. Speaker, my colleague from the Green Party raises a good point.

The membership of the special committee is based on the usual membership of all the other committees. I wanted to make sure that this motion was adopted, so I kept the membership the same as that of a regular committee.

However, if a special committee is set up, I can assure the hon. members who are not represented on that committee that I will contact them so that their opinions are heard. The point is for the entire House of Commons to be non-partisan.

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The point of order I wish to make relates to Standing Order 16, that when a member is speaking, no member shall interrupt him or her, and Standing Order 18, that no member shall use offensive words against other members.

I would just ask members to consider what kind of behaviour we are modelling. I know question period is seen to be a blood sport. I know you, Mr. Speaker, would appreciate more decorum.

From the bottom of my heart, as a mother who does not like to see bullying, I would like us to consider our own behaviour.

The Speaker: I thank the hon. member for the intervention. We will move on now.

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