September 10, 2013 is World Suicide Prevention Day. I would like to encourage all Canadians to actively participate in events taking place across Canada to commemorate the lives of those lost by suicide. I applaud those who are holding events like the "Relay for Life" hosted by the Rotary Club of Stony Plain, Alberta, to commemorate those who have been lost to suicide in their community.
Suicide has touched my family like many others. Despite its wide-reaching impacts and the high emotional toll it places on families, friends, and within many communities across the country, it remains a difficult topic for many to discuss. Therefore, on World Suicide Prevention Day, I encourage Canadians to realize how important it is to discuss suicide without judgment or shame.
Each year, almost 4,000 Canadians die as a result of suicide, and it is the second leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 34. Of particular concern are the higher rates of suicide seen among First Nations and Inuit youth aged 19 years and younger.
The Government of Canada is committed to promoting mental wellbeing as a key component of preventing suicides in the future. Through the creation of the Mental Health Commission of Canada in 2006 and investments related to research, we better understand the causes and risks of suicide and are focused on preventing it. Most recently, in December 2012, legislation was adopted to create a Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention Act which presents an opportunity to promote best practices and expand knowledge, awareness and education related to suicide prevention. Veterans Affairs Canada has a strong suicide prevention framework supported by well-trained and capable staff and works on a number of research initiatives aimed at better understanding the issue of suicide in the Veteran population. Furthermore, the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy has been created to combat high rates of Aboriginal youth suicide, and supports approximately 150 community-based suicide prevention projects. In addition, Economic Action Plan 2013 committed $4 million to increase the number of mental health wellness teams serving First Nations communities.
We all have a role to play in the prevention of suicide by promoting positive mental health and openly addressing its contributing factors.
Sincerely,
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
