Kanata South Coun. Allan Hubley released a statement Monday afternoon regarding the death of his 15-year-old son James.
James Hubley lost his life to suicide Friday.
Coun. Hubley says his son was depressed and receiving counseling.
"Jamie asked a question no child should have to ask – why do people say mean things to me?" writes Hubley in a statement.
The teen, Jamie, was very open about his depression. He wrote about it online and complained of bullying and torment over being gay.
Coun. Hubley writes that his son struggled with his sexuality and the idea that people would judge him so harshly.
"Although James had a great many people who loved and supported him, something in his mind kept taking him to a dark place where he could not see the positive side of life," writes Hubley.
Hubley thanks the public for their support. The outpouring of condolences has come in great numbers.
Several messages and videos are posted online.
The Hubley family says the reports of their son being bullied are true. They were aware of several incidents and recall one in Gr. 7 when he was "treated very cruelly" because he liked figure skating over hockey.
But his family says he was and that is some of what the teen wrote about being fed up with before taking his life Friday.
"Recently, when Jamie tried to start a Rainbow Club at his high school to promote acceptance of others, the posters were torn down and he was called vicious names in the hallways and online," writes his father.
Friends at A.Y. Jackson high school in Kanata wore blue to mark his passing.
Jamie is remembered as a boy who was not afraid to be himself. He was championship figure skater for years, loved to sing and act.
If anyone you know may be suffering from depression, you can give them the number to the Mental Health Crisis Line (613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991) or Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868).
You can leave messages of condolence to the Hubley family here.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Ellen Mauro
