NDP launch national suicide prevention strategy campaign

The New Democratic Party critic for health is seeking support for her private member’s bill: An Act Respecting a National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
Introduced by Halifax MP Megan Leslie in November in the House of Commons, Bill C-593 directs the federal government to establish a national suicide prevention strategy, in consultation with the provincial, territorial and First Nations governments.
“Since introducing the bill, I have received calls and emails of support from individuals, organizations, and politicians across the country,” said Leslie. “The enormous impact suicide has on families, friends and communities is clear from the stories I’ve been hearing.
There are many people out there working to prevent suicide and we know from other countries that a coordinated national strategy would expand and strengthen their efforts.”
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the 10-24 age group and third in the 25-49 age group, with about 10 people committing suicide each day in Canada. More than 3,500 Canadians die each year from suicide.
The suicide rate for Aboriginal Canadians is four to six times higher than non-Aboriginal Canadians.
Leslie’s campaign includes a letter, petition, postcard, an article by Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley and ways to participate through social media, with information and requests for endorsements to be sent to health care organizations, governments, community groups and individuals throughout the country.
“I want to let people know there is a way to communicate with the federal government,” Leslie said. “The need for suicide prevention efforts at a national level is a message that must be heard and acted upon.”