Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance and Bullying Awareness Week

“Ontario is a great province, made richer with diverse opinions, cultures, religions and identities. We are at our strongest when we can celebrate this diversity by treating everyone with respect, dignity and equality. 
This week marks Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario. Everyone in our province deserves respect. We especially owe it to our children to ensure our schools are safe for everyone. Let’s all work together to put an end to bullying.
 
Ontario took a positive step forward this year with passage of the the Accepting Schools Act. This Act is an important step in offering students protection from bullying, especially homophobic and transphobic bullying. I want to applaud all MPPs who voted for this Act.
 
I also want to thank students, teachers, and school boards for the positive work they are doing to eliminate bullying. We must continue to make headway on this critical issue.
 
Today is also Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day where we remember victims of transphobia. Promoting tolerance is essential to building a strong province.
 
Ontario is making important progress in establishing trans rights. In June, the Ontario legislature passed Toby’s Act. This Act amends the Ontario Human Rights Code to protect people from discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. I want to thank all MPPs who voted in favour of this Act.
 
Let’s all take a moment today to recognize victims of discrimination, and commit to working with communities and schools to support a tolerant, diverse society.”
 
Mike Schreiner
Leader, Green Party of Ontario