CASP Urges Immediate Action on National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Annual Suicide Death Toll Nears 4,000

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) says that it is time for the federal government to take action, end it's silence about the approximately 4,000 Canadians who die by suicide every year and establish a national suicide prevention strategy.

"Suicide is the most preventable source of death in Canada, and we need to take action now," said Tim Wall, Executive Director of CASP.

Wall urged the federal government to move quickly to adopt a national suicide prevention strategy. " Every day in Canada ten people die by suicide and millions of Canadians have been affected by suicide and the often devastating effects of suicidal behaviour. A national strategy would help to unite all Communities, governments, organizations and resources across Canada to work effectively together to prevent death by suicide and to assist, educate and comfort those who have been impacted by suicidal behaviours", said Marion Cooper, President elect of CASP.

Canada's suicide rate ranks in the top third among 82 countries, and Canada lags far behind the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and other countries that have had national suicide prevention strategies for many years.

"In 2004, our association developed a blueprint for a national strategy," said Adrian Hill, current President of CASP. "Though it's been used as a model to establish several provincial strategies, and has received international recognition there's been no action on the national front."

With a federal election on the horizon, Wall hopes that voters will urge all political representatives and parties to make a suicide prevention strategy a priority.

September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day. CASP hopes that on that day we will hear from all political leaders about their commitment to suicide prevention and plans for a national suicide prevention strategy.

CASP is dedicated to reducing the suicide rate and minimizing the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour. It focuses on sharing information on intervention and research, advocating for policy development, and supporting excellence in research and service in Canada.

For more information on CASP and its blueprint for a National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, go to www.casp-acps.ca.