Inuit Urge Swift Creation of National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Ottawa, Ontario – Wednesday October 5, 2011 – National Inuit Leader Mary Simon commended Members of Parliament for passing a motion unanimously yesterday on the need for a National Suicide Prevention Strategy, saying it is long overdue and needs to be developed and implemented swiftly.

“I certainly applaud Parliamentarians for taking this action,” said ITK President Mary Simon. “There needs to be immediate follow-up. In the Arctic we have a crisis on our hands regarding suicide and mental health.  While Canada’s suicide rate is three times that of the USA, the rate in the Arctic is 11 times higher than the Canadian rate.”

Each year during World Suicide Prevention Day the national Inuit leader has been calling for a national suicide prevention strategy. A national strategy is a welcome move, however it must build on work that has already been done, such as the recently released Nunavut Suicide Prevention Plan, and ITK’s Alianait Mental Wellness Action Plan. ITK and the four Inuit regions have also recognized the need for a National Inuit Suicide Prevention Strategy.

But  beyond the strategies, considerable funding is required to properly implement what is required to reduce death by suicide. “We need investment for training counselors, and we need infrastructure such as addiction centres, metal health centres, proper diagnostic services, and after care services. Let’s do it, and let’s take immediate action in the Arctic,” said Mary Simon.

-30-