September 10, 2014
September 10, 2014 is World Suicide Prevention Day and, as the Minister of Health, I would like to encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to participate in the events taking place across the country to remember the lives of those lost through suicide.
In Canada, approximately 10 people die as a result of suicide every day. Worldwide, nearly 800,000 die as a result of suicide each year. And sadly, among young people aged 15-34 years, suicide is the second-leading cause of death, both in Canada and worldwide.
We know that mental illness can play a role in suicide. That is why the Government of Canada is providing leadership in mental health through the creation of the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the launch of Canada’s first mental health strategy: Changing Directions, Changing Lives. In addition, we are supporting research and programs to better understand the risks and impacts of suicide and to find better ways for children, families and seniors to build resilience.
In 2014-15, our government will invest $13.5 million in the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy to support approximately 138 community-based suicide prevention projects in First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada. These projects focus on increasing protective factors, such as resilience, and reducing risk factors through prevention, outreach, education and crisis response.
Health Canada will also invest more than $236 million in 2014-15 to support mental health and addictions programming for First Nations and Inuit communities through mental health promotion, addiction and suicide prevention, mental health counselling, addictions treatment and crisis response services.
Despite the wide-reaching impacts of suicide and the emotional toll it places on families, friends, and communities, the subject of suicide remains a difficult topic of conversation. It is often stigmatized and, as a result, silenced.
Suicide prevention must begin with talking about the issue and finding lasting solutions together.
If you or someone you know are in crisis and need help immediately, please go to your local emergency department or call 911.
For more information on World Suicide Prevention Day, visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
