Provincial politicians are sending a message to students, parents and educators that bullying will not be tolerated in Alberta schools.

They’re re-introducing an Education Act that will include some of the toughest anti-bullying legislation in the country.

For the first time, it will define the epidemic and set forth roles and responsibilities for all involved.

The act describes what’s expected of students when it comes to bullying and how to address the issue head-on.

It also makes it obligatory for school boards to provide a “welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environment.”

Education Minister Jeff Johnson says he’ll try to re-introduce the Act sometime over the fall session.

It was first brought forward in February, but had to be shelved after the writ was dropped for the provincial election.

Johnson’s announcement comes less than a week after the highly publicized suicide of B.C. teenager Amanda Todd.

In Calgary, a candlelight vigil is planned for the 15-year-old Friday night at 7 p.m. at Olympic Plaza.

“The current situation that we face is maybe a wake-up call that we need to stay on top of this, keep moving forward and continue to talk to kids about it,” says Education Spokesperson Kim Capstick.

“There is a requirement for school boards and schools to have codes of conduct in place to outline expectations of bullying and outline what happens when someone is bullied on school property,” she adds.

Capstick says any legislation from the government won’t solve the issue or help to immediately improve the situation of a student.

She says there will still need to be action taken at the school, children will still have to come forward and parents must be engaged.

In the end, officials are hoping this legislation will help Albertans to clarify their expectations of one another.

The ministry is continuing to post information on bullying and warning signs on its website.