Grits get tough on bullying in Ontario schools

The Liberal government is introducing new anti-bullying legislation today.

This comes after two high-profile teen suicides in Ottawa and Durham Region.

Premier McGuinty says the new legislation is aimed at making Ontario schools safer and more accepting.

The bill proposes tougher consequences — including expulsion — for bullying and hate-motivated actions. It will also require all schools to support students who want to lead activities that promote understanding, acceptance and respect for everyone – regardless of ethnicity, faith, culture, gender or sexual orientation.

McGuinty says the new legislation will also allow students to set up gay-straight alliances at schools, but he says they may not always use that name.

Video: Brittany Gogo reports: