Two Conservative MPs say delay in introducing 988 suicide hotline could be costing Canadian lives
A consultation by the telecommunications regulator has been told that a three-digit suicide prevention hotline should be accessible to people who are deaf or living with other disabilities.
Conservative MPs Todd Doherty and Mike Lake are increasing pressure on the federal ministers for health and mental health and addictions – who also support the hotline – to speed up its introduction as about 11 Canadians die by suicide every day. He said official statistics, which predate the spike in mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, show that 275 Canadians attempt suicide each day, and 11 succeed.
He recently questioned Carolyn Bennett, the mental health minister, at a House of Commons committee about delays to the line, saying few people, let alone in a time of crisis, would remember the 11-digit phone number, though they might recall 988.The CRTC has consulted on whether to create the line, extending its consultation period to enable deaf people to contribute their views in sign language via video link.
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