Canada announces National Suicide Prevention Action Plan

Ottawa – Every year, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide in Canada. This is the equivalent to approximately 12 deaths every day. The impacts of suicide extend far beyond the individual – each life lost sends ripples of pain through family, friends, and communities. This is a significant, national public health issue and concerted action, from all levels, must be taken to prevent suicide and save lives.

Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced the release of Canada’s first National Suicide Prevention Action Plan (the Action Plan). The Action Plan lays the foundation for increased collaboration and engagement with partners across the country to strengthen Canada’s response to suicide.

The Action Plan leverages current evidence and builds on the existing Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention and the momentum and collaboration from the successful launch of the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. The Action Plan sets a vision for Canada’s suicide prevention efforts and identifies key areas of action over the next three years, including:

• Enhancing data and monitoring to identify where specific gaps and needs exist;
• Advancing research and evaluation efforts to better understand what works for suicide prevention and life promotion;
• Ensuring there are effective supports and services for people in Canada; and
• Developing governance mechanisms to ensure greater collaboration among partners, including provinces and territories, Indigenous organizations, communities and people with lived and living experience.

Preventing suicide requires collaboration across all levels of government, partners and sectors. Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers responsible for Mental Health and Substance Use convened on March 5, 2024 to discuss the Action Plan and together, confirmed a shared commitment for collaboration on suicide prevention and life promotion efforts.

Despite the complexities related to suicide, there is hope. Together, we can strengthen our suicide prevention efforts for all people in Canada, so that fewer lives are lost to suicide and people and communities are supported in their wellbeing. If you are thinking about suicide or worried that someone you know may be thinking about suicide, you can call or text 9-8-8 for support in English or French, 24/7/365.