The City of Airdrie is one step closer to implementing anti-bullying measures after Mayor Peter Brown raised the issue at the Feb. 4 council meeting.
City council directed staff to create an amendment for Airdrie’s Public Behaviour Bylaw that would include repercussions for bullying as well as an education component, April 2.
“I want to see something that has teeth and the ability to go out there and get done what needs to be done,” said Alderman Allan Hunter. “ I want to send a message (to the victims) that we’ve got your backs.”
Council made the decision after an impassioned plea by resident Tara Murphy, whose daughter Mackenzie, 13, was part of a media flurry when she spoke out about bullying after attempting suicide late last year.
“I’m here to plead to you that an anti-bullying bylaw is not just a good idea but a necessity in Airdrie,” she said. “We can no longer push this off to the side. We need to show (the victims) we are there; we are listening.”
Resident Darryl Belyk shared Murphy’s views during the public question period.
“I’d like to encourage council to really look and see how much an anti-bullying bylaw would benefit Airdrie,” he said.
Manager of legislative services Sharon Pollyck provided statistics on bullying in Canada and information on anti-bullying policies in several Alberta jurisdictions, including Hanna, the only municipality in the province with an anti-bullying bylaw.
She said at least one in three adolescent students in Canada have reported being bullied recently and 40 per cent of Canadian workers reported experiencing bullying on a weekly basis.
She shared information about anti-bullying fines in Alberta jurisdictions, which range from $125 to $550 for a first offence.
Hanna’s bylaw was passed last November and gives the RCMP responsibility for enforcement. The bylaw was requested by local RCMP as a tool to stop bullying from escalating to the criminal realm, according to the staff report.
Airdrie’s aldermen had an extensive discussion about implementing anti-bullying measures.
Hunter was passionate about the subject, relaying two stories of his own son, who was seriously bullied in school.
“A criminal act was committed, it was assault,” he said of an incident during which his son was choked with the strings of his hoodie until he was unconscious.
Hunter said he wanted the focus of the anti-bullying measures to be on the victims, rather than on educating the perpetrators. He suggested making the RCMP responsible for enforcement.
Alderman Glenda Alexander was in favour of including an education portion to the bylaw.
“I want to make sure everyone has the chance to heal,” she said.
Brown said although he is in favour of a bylaw, he wanted to ensure it was enforceable and met expectations.
“I am all for a bylaw,” he said. “I just want to make sure we have the tools. My concern is that we aren’t going to be able to fulfill (expectations).”
Alderman Kelly Hegg urged council to take its time in drafting the measures.
“Obviously we are dealing with an emotionally charged subject,” he said. “I think we need to take a little bit of time and do it right. Let’s make sure we have buy-in from everyone involved.”
According Pollyck. staff will be working hard to bring an amendment before council within three months.
Pollyck said the City will look at what resourcing will be required to enforce the bylaw, how investigations will be completed and whether an education program is available to help the bullies and victims heal.
She added staff will be in contact with the RCMP, municipal enforcement, Rocky View School Division and other stakeholders when crafting the bylaw amendment.
