To an earlier point, it's prevention. It's not just through organizations like BGC. It needs to start within our school boards. It needs to start within our overall community engagement and in how we speak to the children about their value and what they bring to society. Talk to the kids about their passions. Talk to the kids within the context of what is happening in their lives. Make accessible the professionals who actually know how to handle these situations and, more importantly, know how to engage with the youth.
It comes down to the way we communicate.
Sonia, as you know from living in the Brampton region of Peel, we're one of the most diverse communities across Canada. There's a need to be able to access interpreters and resources for newcomers. In BGC, 75% of our members are newcomers within the last five years. They need a go-to place where they can get these resources without feeling afraid and without feeling ashamed, just so they can get a better understanding of what it means to be Canadian.
I think that sometimes we forget that a lot of our new immigrants come from countries where.... It's not that domestic violence is accepted, but unfortunately it's the norm. When they come to Canada, we want to make sure they feel as safe and as comfortable as they can.
It takes all levels of government. In Peel's case, it takes all four levels of government to make sure that these resources are accessible and available at no cost. There should be no cost for someone's safety.