Question Period Note: National Suicide Action Plan

Suicide is a significant, complex public health issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds across Canada. An effective response requires concerted efforts and coordinated action.

Suicide is a significant public health issue that can affect people of all ages and backgrounds across the country.
We recognize the complex nature of suicide and suicide prevention which involves multiple actors and sectors for an effective response.
The federal government is leading the development of a National Suicide Prevention Action Plan which builds on the existing Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention. The Plan will identify key areas for action and expected impacts on suicide prevention and reducing suicide rates.
IF PRESSED ON THE SOCI REPORT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FEDERAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
The Government of Canada welcomes the findings of the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI), and its recommendations on how to improve the Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention and reduce suicide rates in Canada (June 8, 2023). The recommendations will help inform our activities in the development of the new National Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
We know that certain populations and communities are disproportionality represented in suicide mortality rates and that tailored evidence-based approaches are needed.
We are committed to collaboration and ongoing engagement with all partners, including Indigenous partners, to enable the co-development of actions that will have the greatest impact within communities

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Between 2017 and 2020, there were approximately 4,500 deaths by suicide per year in Canada, which is equivalent to 12 people dying by suicide every day. In 2019, suicide was the 9th leading cause of death among all Canadians, and the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 34, behind unintentional injuries.
According to preliminary data, there were 3,769 deaths by suicide reported in 2021. The 2020 and 2021 data is provisional and could potentially increase by 5 to 15% over the next year. The delay is due to the length of time that coroners and medical examiners sometimes require to complete their investigations. At this time, caution should be used in drawing any conclusions regarding suicide trends during the pandemic. While mortality data during the pandemic is not readily available, data on the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adults shows that thoughts of suicide did not increase in fall 2020 and was similar to the pre-pandemic level of 2019 (2.7%); however, prevalence of suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts or ideas) significantly increased to 4.2% in spring/winter 2021.