Release of 2021 Report on Suicide Mortality in the Canadian Armed Forces

May 11, 2022 -  Defence Stories

Every person lost is a tragedy. Each day, an average of more than 10 Canadians die by suicide. Unfortunately, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is not immune to this. The reasons for deaths due to suicide can be complex. There are typically multiple potential contributing factors for each death from suicide.

The Department of National Defence (DND) has released an annual Report on Suicide Mortality since 2008, which provides valuable information on deaths due to suicide in the actively serving CAF population. The 2021 Report is an update covering the period from 1995 to 2020. From 1995 to 2020, there was no statistically significant change in the overall suicide rate as analyzed in the report. The number of Regular Force males who died by suicide is consistent with the age-adjusted male suicide rates in the Canadian general population. Every death due to suicide that is reported to Canadian Forces Health Services is investigated. That said, the statistical analysis in the 2021 Report on Suicide Mortality in the Canadian Armed Forces focuses on Regular Force males because the number of known deaths due to suicide in females and Reserve Force members is too small for accurate statistical analysis.  

The findings from this report will advance DND’s knowledge of this issue by helping to refine our understanding of the factors influencing suicide in the CAF. The report will also assist DND in continuing to make evidence-based decisions about its investments in the CAF health and support programs.

Do you need help? You are not alone:

The DND/CAF recognizes the tremendous sacrifices CAF personnel and their families make in service to Canada. These are not only limited to the stressful and potentially traumatic situations CAF members face as a result of the work they do – these sacrifices include time, occasionally extended periods, away from their families, communities and support systems. Some professions are incredibly physically demanding, leading to physical strain and possible injury, while others require long hours battling the elements. While it is essential for CAF members to encounter these situations and navigate them efficiently, there is no denying the toll this takes. As remains our priority, and our promise: it is essential for our members to be provided the best possible health care and support.

As such, the CAF continuously strives towards reducing barriers to care, including reducing the stigma around mental illness, and working to enhance the healthcare programs and services for CAF members. This includes the Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program and the Road to Mental Readiness Program.

“The health, safety, and well-being of all Canadian Armed Forces members is my top priority as Surgeon General. Normalizing conversations regarding mental health and suicide are integral to our understanding of the factors that lead to mental distress. Understanding these factors enables us to constantly improve the healthcare programs and services that we offer to our members. As clinicians, we know the benefits of reducing the stigma and encouraging an open dialogue when it comes to mental health, and investing in the education and awareness programs required to help our members. Please do not struggle in silence, we are here to help you,” says Major-General Marc Bilodeau, Surgeon General of the Canadian Armed Forces.

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