The Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention-Progress Report 2020

Minister's Message

I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada has developed its 2020 Progress Report on the Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, which will be published online at Canada.ca in early 2021.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in Canada - a serious public health issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Approximately 4,000 people die by suicide in Canada each year. Suicide has a profound impact on individuals, families and entire communities. That is why preventing suicide is an important priority for the Government of Canada. As we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and its wider consequences, it will be important to track and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of Canadians, including suicide risk.

The Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention (the Framework) provides a foundation for aligning federal activities and complementing the important work underway across Canada, within Indigenous communities, among provinces and territories and national organizations working in suicide prevention. It focuses on reducing stigma and raising awareness, connecting people, information, and resources, and advancing knowledge and evidence to better understand suicide and inform prevention, treatment, and recovery.

This year's Progress Report focuses on suicide prevention and life promotion activities led by key federal departments and partners from 2018 to 2020.

While we have made progress over the past two years in advancing our federal mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, there is more to do. Going forward we will implement a National Suicide Prevention Action Plan in areas of suicide-related research and data, responsible reporting, best practices and training, and tailored programs for populations most affected by suicide.

As Minister of Health, I recognize that addressing suicide requires commitment and coordination across sectors, levels of government and within diverse communities. That is why we will continue to work with our partners and people with lived experiences to research and share the most up-to-date information and resources about suicide prevention.

I am optimistic that through our collective efforts, we will make important progress in preventing suicide and improving the circumstances that empower people in Canada to live their lives with dignity, hope, healing, recovery and resiliency.

If you would like a copy of the report in advance of its online release, you can request a copy via email at: phac.suicideprevention-preventiondusuicide.aspc@canada.ca.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Health

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