TORONTO—The Government of Canada is taking an important step to provide suicide prevention support for people who need it, when they need it most. 9-8-8, Canada’s new three-digit suicide crisis helpline, is now available to call or text, in English and French, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across Canada.
Suicide continues to be a serious public health issue impacting people of all ages and backgrounds, and more needs to be done to support those in crisis. This is why the government of Canada has provided $156 million over three years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to implement and operate the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. As of November 30, an experienced network of partners has trained responders ready to answer 9-8-8 calls and texts. Responders will provide support and compassion without judgement. They are here to help callers and texters explore ways to keep themselves safe when things are overwhelming.
“Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness,” said the Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addiction and Associate Minister of Health. “There is hope and resources available for people in need. Starting today (November 30), people across Canada have access to an important life-saving service no matter the time of day or where they live.”
“While we celebrate the launch of 9-8-8, we must also acknowledge that this is just the beginning,” said Minister Saks. “We will continue to work closely with CAMH, provinces and territories and other important partners to ensure 9-8-8 continues to meet the every-changing needs of Canada’s diverse populations. There is no health without mental health, and I look forward to the contribution this service will make.”
Mark Holland, minister of health said, “The launch of 9-8-8 is an important step in making suicide prevention resources more readily available to everyone across Canada. 9-8-8 is easy to remember and will provide life-saving services to those who need it the most. Anytime and anywhere, 9-8-8 is always available to help.”
Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous Services Canada said, “the launch of 9-8-8 is an important step towards providing the support and resources needed for suicide prevention, including within Indigenous communities. The inclusion of the Hope for Wellness Helpline in the 9-8-8 network will provide a dedicated service to First Nations, Inuit and Metis. It will provide culturally appropriate support Indigenous peoples need when they need it.”
“9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is the result of collaboration across geographies, industries and cultures,” said Sarah Downey, president and CEO, CAMH. “With our unique expertise as Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, CAMH is honoured to lead the implementation and operation of this life-saving service that extends into every corner of our country. Today’s launch is a crucial step in making sure that everyone in Canada has quick and easy access to suicide prevention support.”
The government of Canada and CAMH have worked closely with partners from across many different sectors in the months leading up to the launch. Those partnerships are the foundation of the 9-8-8 network. This includes local partners such as Distress Centres of Greater Toronto and Gerstein Crisis Centre of Ottawa, Crisis Prevention, Intervention and Information Centre for Northern BC, Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton and others across the country, as well as national partners such as Kids Help Phone and Hope for Wellness, who will continue to provide dedicated service through 9-8-8 to youth and Indigenous communities. As the 9-8-8 system continues to mature and evolve, PHAC and CAMH will continue to explore ways to build the network and support current and future network partners.
An average of 4,500 people across Canada die by suicide each year—approximately 12 people per day. In August 2022, the government of Canada welcomed the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) decision to adopt 9-8-8 as the three-digit number to call or text to access suicide prevention and crisis support.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8.
