Parliament Votes for National Suicide Prevention Action Plan

Angus says the vote for M-174 is a hopeful moment for Canadians.

OTTAWA – Members of Parliament from all parties have come together to support NDP MP Charlie Angus’ (Timmins – James Bay) call for a national suicide prevention action plan. The vote is historic, as Canada is the only G7 country without a national suicide action plan.

“This is a historic moment,” said Angus. “It is possible for parliamentarians to work together across party lines. The need for the federal government to play a positive role in working with health organizations, affected communities and Indigenous people is clear. This is about saving lives.”

Quebec developed a plan in the 1990s which reduced youth suicide by 50%. M-174 calls on the government to follow through on a proposed plan that lays out important steps proven to reduce the threat of suicide across the country.

“The work of creating and implementing the plan remains and the government needs to move forward quickly. We need to get the groundwork laid before the election to keep the momentum going,” added Angus. “Canadians have been waiting for this for a long time. The government owes it to them to get moving and put something real in place.”

Angus’ motion had been endorsed by the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Nurses Association, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.