Suicide prevention strategy tabled in the Legislative Assembly

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If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the strategy feel free to email the HLN at info@honouringlife.ca.

CBC News
October 27, 2010

Nunavut’s long-awaited suicide prevention strategy was tabled yesterday in the Legislative Assembly. It’s the culmination of two years work looking within and around the world at the best way to prevent suicide. And it couldn’t come at a more critical time. Neville Crabbe reports.

In the words of the strategy, few people have experienced the scale of death by suicide that Nunavut Inuit have in the last 40 years, and the problem shows no sign of letting up. Two weeks ago the head of Nunavut RCMP said there’s been 26 suicides so far in 2010.

The Nunavut government is one of four groups involved in developing this strategy, and Tagak Curley is the Minister of Health.

“The thing is at least we now have a strategy. My role as a minister will be ensure that we have enough resources and support for our mental health workers.”

Curley says once an implementation plan is in place, the government could increase funding in that area. Jessie Mikeis with the Embrace Life Council and has been involved from the beginning.

“I’m happy it took the time that it did because it needed to be done well.”

The strategy promises to improve mental health services, equip youth with better coping skills, and support research on suicide. Quttiktuq MLA Ron Elliott says making change will require a commitment from all citizens.

“In terms of dealing with suicide within their family or within close relatives or with loss of friends. How will they be able to implement it?”

Coming up with an implementation plan could take months, but the strategy itself is a milestone on the way to reducing suicide in Nunavut.

Neville Crabbe, CBC News, Iqaluit