Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the NDP to bring attention to Bullying Awareness Week, which takes place from November 17 to 23. This year's theme is “Stand Up to Bullying!”.
Bullying affects everyone—parents, brothers, sisters, friends and victims. Nearly half of Canadian parents say that their child has already been a victim of bullying, and 40% of Canadians say that they themselves have experienced bullying at work. Bullying hurts and it leaves scars.
As parliamentarians, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference. That is why I proposed a national bullying prevention strategy, which the Conservatives voted against, unfortunately. I know that the government is planning on introducing a similar bill soon. I hope that the Conservatives will remember that prevention must be at the heart of the strategy.
This week, as with every other, let us do what we can to create a bully-free environment, be it at work, at home, at school or on the Internet. Let us do it for our youth.