For Immediate Release
November 3, 2008

The McGuinty Government is Failing Children
Minister Wynne allows student on student violence and abuse to continue unchecked in schools despite numerous warnings and public outcry.

(Queens Park) Question Period erupted today in the Ontario Legislature as the official opposition members called the McGuinty Government out for their failure to protect children from student on student violence and abuse. Together, PC MPP’s Joyce Savoline and Christine Elliott refused to allow the government to wriggle out of the issue of implementing mandatory reporting, a call that has been echoed by themselves and their caucus members repeatedly over the last year.

“Minister, these student on student attacks are not isolated incidents in one school board, they are happening across the province and the issue needs to be addressed now,” charged Savoline.  “Minister, when will you finally stand up for the vulnerable students who have lost their voice in your education system and provide their families with a date for the implementation of mandatory reporting in our schools.”

Currently, it is up to the discretion of the Principal to report student on student violence.  However, suspected or confirmed instances of abuse should be reported immediately and proper steps put in place to protect the victim and the accused.

“I rise today to give voice to my constituents whose voices deserve to be heard and who  have stepped in to protect their child when school policies and protocols failed to protect him,” stated Elliott.  “The government has failed this family miserably, and instead of giving up hope, they are fighting to make sure that all children are safe and protected in their school environment.  It is beyond comprehension how this McGuinty government can turn their backs on them.”

The families who sought justice in the Ontario Legislature today have brought their case to the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, Irwin Elman.  The Provincial Advocate is an arms-length body and may identify systemic problems involving children, conduct reviews and provide education and advice on the issue of advocacy and the rights of children.

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For More Information Contact:
Amy M. Ball                                                                           Amanda Meek
Office of Joyce Savoline                                                        Office of Christine Elliott
MPP Burlington                                                                      MPP Whitby-Oshawa
(416) 505-5832                                                                       (416) 325-1331