Includes section on “Indigenous suicide prevention and life promotion”
NationTalk: Public health Agency of Canada – Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Every year, approximately 4,000 people die by suicide in Canada, with each loss leaving a profound impact on individuals, families and entire communities.
As Canada’s first federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, I am pleased to share the 2022 Progress Report on the Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, which highlights key federal investments to help address existing gaps in accessing suicide prevention supports across the country. The report also outlines areas for future action, based on continued research, engagement and evidence.
Since our last Report in 2020, we have made progress on key initiatives, including the work to introduce 988, a three-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis number in Canada, set to launch on November 30, 2023. This number will provide people across Canada with a phone number that is simple to remember and easy to dial, even in a time of crisis, so that they can easily reach out for help.
While work is underway to introduce 988, people across Canada can continue to access Talk Suicide Canada by calling 1-833-456-4566, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or via text to 45645 in the evenings. This service offers bilingual crisis and suicide prevention support. For residents of Quebec, call 1-866-277-3553 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.
Over the next year, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will also engage with provinces and territories, Indigenous communities, and people with lived and living experience to develop a comprehensive National Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
Our government remains committed to the Framework’s suicide prevention objectives including to help connect people with information and resources, reduce stigma, and accelerate innovation and research.
We will continue to do whatever it takes to help prevent suicide in Canada and provide people across the country with the most appropriate mental health and crisis supports, by the most appropriate providers, at the most appropriate times.
Contacts
Maja Staka
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
343-552-5568
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca