National Suicide Prevention Strategy In Works

National Suicide Prevention Strategy In Works

Friday, November 05, 2010 at 15:25

Efforts are underway in Ottawa to create a national strategy for suicide prevention.

Megan Leslie, the NDP critic for health, says many countries already have similar legislation in place, and it’s time for Canada to follow suit.

Her party says the suicide rate for aboriginal youth is four to six times higher than non-Natives.

Leslie says it can be very difficult for citizens to help people they’re worried about if they don’t understand how to talk about the subject.

Leslie says a national strategy could help people understand what tools they can use to reach someone who may be in trouble.

Leslie’s bill will officially be tabled in the House of Commons on Friday.

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention is supporting the move.