Government of Saskatchewan Increasing Support to Address Bullying

Released on November 28, 2016

The Government of Saskatchewan is continuing to support anti-bullying initiatives in Saskatchewan.  The province is committing $215,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Society, fYrefly Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Restorative Action Program to support their work with school divisions to address bullying and promote positive relationships.

“Creating safe and accepting environments in our schools and communities, where our children are free from all forms of bullying and violence, continues to be a priority for our government,” Deputy Premier and Education Minister Don Morgan said.  “These community partnerships are vital to ensure Saskatchewan children and youth feel included and respected.”

Using a train the trainer model, the Red Cross is training school division personnel to incorporate strategies that will reduce bullying and support students to build healthy relationships in schools.

“The Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan has a goal of reaching every child in the province with bullying prevention education,” Red Cross Vice President Cindy Fuchs said.  “Everyone has a stake in this goal, and this support from the Government of Saskatchewan is invaluable.”

fYrefly Saskatchewan supports school divisions to better understand and respond to the needs of gender and/or sexually diverse students.  The Saskatoon Restorative Action Program supports students to gain confidence, build leaderships skills and participate in their community in positive ways.

Since 2013, the province has provided approximately $630,000 to these three community partners.  Their contributions have supported the government to fulfill the commitment outlined in Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying.  The plan is a roadmap that guides the government’s work to address bullying.  It provides students, families and schools with knowledge, skills, resources and support to help Saskatchewan children and youth feel safe and accepted in their community and online.

To learn more about Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying, please visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/anti-bullying.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Stephanie Ali
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6304
Email: stephanie.ali@gov.sk.ca