Alberta town implements anti-bullying bylaw after request from RCMP

HANNA, Alta. – A southern Alberta town has implemented a bylaw that it hopes will help cut down on bullying.

Mayor Mark Nikota says the community of Hanna began working on the bylaw in September after a request from the RCMP.

He says police have been having difficulty controlling bullying among young people and wanted to have another way to help fight the problem.

The fine for the first offence is $250 and could jump to $1,000 for subsequent offences.

Nikota says there is also a provision for fines if someone knows about bullying and doesn’t make authorities aware of it.

The mayor acknowledges it remains to be seen if the bylaw will be effective.