The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline will be available across Canada on November 30, 2023
Toronto – Suicide is a serious public health issue that impacts people of all ages and backgrounds across the country. The Government of Canada is taking steps to ensure that everyone in Canada has access to suicide prevention resources and other crisis supports – whenever and wherever they need them. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced an investment of $156 million over three years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) for the implementation and operation of the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, a national three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress.
Minister Bennett also announced an additional investment of $21.4 million towards CAMH, which will help the organization bolster the capacity of distress centres that are part of the existing Talk Suicide Canada network, so as to better meet increased demand and prepare for 9-8-8 implementation. This funding was part of the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, which announced $50 million to support distress centres during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of November 30, 2023, the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline will be available in English and French, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, to everyone in Canada. This easy to remember, three-digit number will make it simple for people to access the help they need, when they need it most. The 9-8-8 service will offer trauma-informed and culturally appropriate crisis services, and will be delivered by trained crisis responders using best practices, procedures and protocols. Implementation and delivery of the 9-8-8 service will continue to be informed by ongoing engagement with CAMH, provinces and territories, and organizations representing populations most affected by suicide.
While work is underway to implement the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, people in Canada continue to have access to Talk Suicide Canada, which offers bilingual crisis and suicide prevention support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Talk Suicide can be reached at 1-833-456-4566 by phone, and by text (in the evenings) at 45645. Residents of Quebec can call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353, or visit suicide.ca for support by online chat. People in Canada can also find support from their local distress centres.
“Every day, an average of 12 people die by suicide in Canada. Our hearts go out to all families, and loved ones who have been affected by suicide. We are taking action to support people across the country who are in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts. Today’s investments take us one step closer to launching the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, which will provide an immediate, confidential, and judgement-free suicide prevention support for Canadians in need – when they need it most.”-Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health