Respect in Schools program launched in Manitoba

Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy has helped launch an educational program that teaches adults how to deal with cases of abuse in Manitoba schools.

Kennedy joined Manitoba government officials on Thursday to launch Respect in Schools, an online training program through which teachers, coaches, bus drivers and parent volunteers can learn about the signs of abuse, bullying, harassment or neglect among children and youth.

The province will spend $300,000 on the Respect in Schools initiative over the next three years.

Kennedy was in Winnipeg this week to attend a sentencing hearing for Graham James, his former junior hockey coach, who has pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges.