Quotes by Gerard Kennedy

“This is a serious problem that should not be left unchecked,”

“Every serious incident obviously tells us that we need to be doing better,”

“For victims out there, theres going to be new help, ... The main thing for them is for them to feel that there is somebody on their side that understands what theyre going through.”

“Bullying is an underestimated and pervasive problem,”

“Theres a tremendous amount of effort being focused on that end and we will be making it even more effective because we cant rest as long as incidents like that are taking place in any of our schools.”

“The initial letter came to the emergency measures organization, and there were things being looked into, and those were the kinds of things that went on ? that was the responsibility of a different minister.”

“It is not inevitable that our schools have incidents like this. We can make our schools even safer,”

“Parents have a right to be skeptical,”

“The public should know the board has met a high standard in their (hiring) process, ... We appreciate their cooperation with us and their efforts to ensure the best professional educational leadership possible for their students, staff and community.”

“There has been a perception that the Safe Schools Act provisions (have) uniform application across the province,”

“We can tell you at the beginning of our public review that uniformity certainly does not exist.”

“Its clear there is flexibility, and what that flexibility means is something the review will help us to get at,”

“Students need to be freed of the fear of bullying to create the best possible environment for student learning and achievement. The hotline and the new programs are giving students a place to turn for help,”

“This is a complicated system with a lot of students and a lot of factors at work. But we do feel were going to get there and Im looking forward to be able to show that through the website.”

“People have approached me; Ive been respectful.”

“It is a serious issue. In our rural and northern areas, having students stay in school is a far bigger challenge, in general, than in our urban areas.”

“It really is quite soon that Ill make a decision - within a matter of days.”

“It is obviously only a limited window for which the (provincial) government and education matters arent going to be interfered with.”

“I think the independent report makes it very clear and in very plain language, and it gives the board a fresh opportunity to attend to its affairs on behalf of its students.”

“My reason for resigning such a valuable post is to organize my candidacy.”