Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10, 2012

On September 10, 2012, Canada will be observing World Suicide Prevention Day. This year's theme is "Suicide Prevention across the Globe: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope." As Minister of Health, I am hopeful that organizations and communities across Canada and around the world will come together in support of families who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Sadly, suicide is now recognized as the leading cause of preventable deaths around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are one million deaths from suicide worldwide each year. In Canada, suicide is the second leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 34.

Suicide is a complex issue, and positive mental health is one of the strongest tools we have in the effort to prevent suicide.

The Government of Canada is helping raise awareness and to address the risk factors that can lead to poor mental health.  The release of the Mental Health Commission's Mental Health Strategy for Canada provides recommendations addressed to all segments of society -- governments, community organizations, health professionals and private sector enterprises, among others -- on ways to improve and maintain the mental health of Canadians.

The Government of Canada invests in the Community Action Program for Children and the Canada Prenatal Nutrition program, research to identify effective suicide interventions, and in the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy.

All of these investments strive to reduce risk factors through prevention, outreach, education and crisis response.

Recently, during the debate on Bill C-300 in the House of Commons, I was moved when Members of Parliament chose to share personal stories on how suicide affected their lives. This Private Member's Bill, introduced by MP Harold Albrecht, proposes to establish a federal framework on suicide prevention. As it moves through the parliamentary process, it has already gone a long way in helping to reduce the stigma surrounding this important issue.

As Minister of Health, I encourage all Canadians to come together to acknowledge World Suicide Prevention Day.

For more information on mental health and suicide prevention visit:

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health ( CAMH)

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada