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The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Launches
its 11th Annual Faces of Mental Illness Campaign

CAMIMH Calling for Submissions from Members of the Public

(Ottawa, Ontario) April 30th, 2013, Today, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is launching the 11th annual Faces of Mental Illness campaign and seeking nominations from the public. CAMIMH is proud to organize this important campaign, which features the faces and stories of Canadians living in recovery with mental illness. The campaign selects five individuals and enables them to tell their mental health stories through promotional materials, in profile videos and through media engagement.

“The Faces of Mental Illness are advocates within the mental health community. Their lived experiences allow them to engage the public and political decision makers in a very effective way,” said Dr. Karen Cohen, CAMIMH Campaign Chair 2013. “Their’s are stories that, when shared publicly, help to educate, reverse stigma and discrimination, and help others in recovery.”

The Faces of Mental Illness campaign is a key component of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) running from October 6th-12th 2013. The campaign is made possible by the generous support and commitment of Bell, CAMIMH’s Presenting Sponsor, as part of Bell Let’s Talk. CAMIMH is also glad to welcome and appreciate Lundbeck Canada Inc. for their generous contribution as Premier Sponsor.

“Mental illness affects so many Canadians and their need for help is great. Although we have treatments, services and supports that work, these are not sufficiently available to people who need them. Canada must do a better job investing in treatments, services and supports and making them accessible where and when people need them. The Faces of Mental Illness campaign shows Canadians that mental illness has many faces – faces familiar to all of us and the faces of people who deserve respect, admiration, and most importantly, our attention. The campaign reminds us that recovery is possible, and that access to services and supports is a critical component of this recovery,” concluded Cohen.

To nominate a Face, please visit camimh.ca. Nominations will be accepted until May 31st, 2013. The 2013 Faces will be announced in late June. CAMIMH would once again like to thank their generous sponsors who make this campaign possible: Bell, Lundbeck Canada Inc., Impact Public Affairs and Janssen.

Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

For more information, please contact:
Kalene DeBaeremaeker
Faces of Mental Illness Committee
Tel: 613-233-8906
Email: faces@miaw.ca

(April 16, 2013)

The Hon. Diane Finley
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A6

RE: Housing First and Affordable Housing

Dear Minister Finley:

Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

In this regard, CAMIMH followed closely the 2008 Government of Canada investment of $110 million through a funding agreement between Health Canada and the Mental Health Commission of Canada to support a five-year demonstration project to evaluate what services and systems best help people experiencing serious mental illness and homelessness. The documented experience of the Housing First approach of At Home/Chez Soi clearly demonstrated that collaboration in addressing the social determinants of health across government sectors and among different service providers at the program and the individual level results in positive steps forward for participants and a strong return on investment for government.

In Budget 2013 the Government of Canada chose to maintain support for the Housing First approach with an investment of $119 million per year over five years to the Homelessness Partnering Strategy. CAMIMH is extremely appreciative of this commitment as well the renewed commitment of $253 million per year over five years to work with provinces and territories to help Canadians in need find and keep affordable housing.

It is the expectation of CAMIMH that the renewed commitments to affordable housing in Budget 2013 will be complemented with deeper investments to a comprehensive national affordable housing strategy. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) latest corporate plan, the Government of Canada expended approximately $3 billion on Housing Program Expenses in 2010. This spending was down by $1 billion to $2 billion in 2013 and will be down to $1.7 billion by 2016. This is a drastically reduced overall commitment to social housing that will severely decrease the number of subsidized homes available to Canadians precisely when all indicators point to the need for a drastic increase of affordable housing in order to support the growth of our evolving economy.

According to CMHC, in 2008, there were 623,700 households assisted through federal affordable housing expenses. CMHC projects that, with the ongoing reductions, the number of federally assisted households will be at 525,000 by 2016 – a reduction of 98,700 subsidized homes, or a drop of 16%. Again, given the overall projected underfunding of affordable housing in Canada, CAMIMH strongly encourages that the Government of Canada work with the provinces and territories to develop a national housing strategy that complements both adopted poverty reduction plans and mental health strategies.

Again, CAMIMH is fully supportive of the steps taken in Budget 2013 to support the Housing First approach as well as commitments to the renewal of affordable housing agreements with the provinces and territories.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Higenbottam
CAMIMH , Co-Chair

Dave Gallson
CAMIMH, Co-Chair

cc. The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C.,
Prime Minister of Canada

The Honourable Thomas Mulcair
Leader of the Official Opposition and New Democratic Party of Canada

The Honourable Justin Trudeau
Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada

Ms. Chris Charlton, M.P. Hamilton Mountain
NDP Critic, HRDC for Housing

Mr. Rodger Cuzner, M.P. Cape Breton – Canso
Liberal Critic, HRDC for Housing

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The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health

Proudly Announces the 2013 Champions of Mental Health Award Winners

(Ottawa, Ontario) April 8th, 2013. Today, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) officially announced the winners of the Champions of Mental Health Awards for 2013. The annual Champions Awards bring together political decision makers, business leaders, members of the national media, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada in the past year.

“We had a remarkable group of more than fifty nominations this year from across the country,” stated Dr. Karen Cohen, Chair of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) 2013. “There were many outstanding candidates and decision-making was difficult. The winners are an excellent representation of the kind of innovative and diverse work being done in the service of mental health.”

The Champions of Mental Health Awards are a key component of CAMIMH’s annual awareness campaigns and are made possible through the generous support of its presenting sponsor Bell, as part of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative. The gala to honour the 2013 Champions of Mental Health Awards recipients will take place on May 6th 2013 in Ottawa at the Château Laurier.

The winners of the 2013 Champions of Mental Health Awards are:

Community Individual: Eric Windeler, Founder and Lead Volunteer, The Jack Project from Ontario
Community Organization: mindyourmind, A non-profit organization with programs for youth mental health engagement
Parliamentarian: The Honourable Bob Rae, Liberal Leader and Member of Parliament for Toronto – Centre
Private Sector Individual: Emily Doer, Creator Tea for E|D – A tea party fundraiser for eating disorders, from Manitoba
Public Sector Individual: Candice Waddell, A Registered Psychiatric Nurse who has dedicated herself to providing leadership and community advocacy projects in Nunavut
Research: Dr. Tina Montreuil, A psychologist researcher in treatment of first episode psychosis at the PEPP Clinic of the Douglas Institute, McGill University

New this year, the gala will include a cake auction to raise funds in support of the Reunite Program of Operation Come Home. It is CAMIMH’s hope that the auction will become a standing event enabling the gala to both celebrate and support a national mental health program or initiative. Tickets and tables are on sale now. To purchase tickets for the awards please visit camimh.ca.

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Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Kalene DeBaeremaeker, Champions Awards Organizing Committee
Tel. : 613-233-8906 Email: champions@miaw.ca

Please click here to read the letter to the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Health on Bill C-54.

(February 25, 2013)

The Honourable Robert Nicholson
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
284 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON KlA OH8

Dear Minister Nicholson,

The Canadian Alliance on Mental illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of twenty mental health organizations comprised of health providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH is concerned that the introduction of Bill C-54: Not criminally responsible reform act has created additional stigma for people with mental illness and perpetuates the myth that people with mental illnesses are violent.

Lack of understanding and misinformation is often the basis of the public’s fear of those Canadians living with a mental disorder. As a group, people with mental health issues are not more violent than any other group in our society. The majority of crimes are not committed by people with psychiatric illness, and multiple studies have proven that there is very little relationship between most of these diseases and violence. The real issue is the fact that people with mental illness are two and a half to four times more likely to be the victims of violence than any other group in our society.

While the system for managing people found Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) is effective, improved public safety and increased sensitivity toward victims and their families, the stated intent of the reform, are laudable goals. But we must remain vigilant to ensure a balance between community safety, victim needs and the recovery of those with mental illness involved with the law so they may productively re-enter the community.

In Canada’s most populated province, Ontario, only .001% of individuals charged with Criminal Code violations were adjudicated NCR. Recidivism rates for NCR individuals range from 2.5 to 7.5%. These numbers are far lower than that of federal offenders in the regular justice system, at a rate of 41 to 44%. The seriousness of the crime committed does not equate to the likelihood for the offender to reoffend or even his/her ability to improve his/her mental health state and live a normal, healthy life.

People who are found not criminally responsible stay, on average, far longer in hospital than convicted offenders do in prison. Treatment and rehabilitation is monitored closely by clinical teams and the Review Board system. Members of the review board teams take their role very seriously, and have the knowledge and expertise to address each situation. Review Boards are not likely to give an absolute discharge to someone who endangers the life or safety of another person.

Research indicates that lack of access to timely and appropriate mental health services before and after people come into conflict with the law is a fundamental part of the problem. Although the Federal Government has made a significant investment to enhance the publics understanding of mental health and mental illness, notably through the creation of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, more needs to be done. it is now time for all levels of government to work collaboratively to implement Canada’s mental health strategy so that all Canadians can access the services and supports that they need.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. John Higenbottam CAMIMH , Co-Chair

Dave Gallson CAMIMH, Co-Chair

Cc: Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

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The Deadline to Nominate a Champion of Mental Health for 2013 Has Been Extended!

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Seeks Nominations from the Public

(Ottawa, Ontario) February 22nd, 2013. Today, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) announced they are extending the deadline for nominations for the Champions of Mental Health campaign. CAMIMH is an alliance of Canada’s leading mental health care and service organizations, representing health care providers as well as persons and families living with mental health issues. Nominations will now be accepted until March 21st, 2013, a full three week extension.

CAMIMH’s strength is that it brings together Canada’s mental health communities. The Champions of Mental Health Awards is one of Canada’s premiere mental health advocacy events in recognition of individuals or organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada in the past year.

Held each year in Ottawa, the gala to honour the 2013 Champions of Mental Health Awards recipients will be hosted on May 6th, 2013 at the Château Laurier. The Champions of Mental Health Awards are a key component of CAMIMH’s annual awareness campaigns and are made possible through the generous support of its presenting sponsor Bell, as part of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative. It is through the outstanding contributions from the public that CAMIMH is able to raise awareness and broaden the conversation about the need for improved access to services and support for mental illness in Canada.

“Mental illness is an issue that all Canadians face. One in five will experience a mental problem or disorder in a given year. Even more will know someone who has. We hope that by recognizing some of the Champions, we are recognizing the work that is being done to raise awareness, end stigma and promote access to needed services and support that will make a difference for Canada’s mental health,” said Dr. Karen Cohen, Chair of Mental Illness Awareness Week campaigns 2013.

To nominate a Champion, please visit camimh.ca for details. Submissions will be accepted until March 21st, 2013 in several categories including private sector; public sector; research; community (individual); and community (organization).

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Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Kalene DeBaeremaeker, Champions Awards Organizing Committee
Tel. : 613-233-8906 Email: champions@miaw.ca

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Bell Let’s Talk Campaign Fact Sheet

Bell’s Mental Health Initiative

In 2010 Bell announced that it would be contributing $50 million to mental health related initiatives over the next five years. The Bell Mental Health initiative supports an extensive range of programs to enhance mental health in every aspect of Canadian life.

The four pillars of this initiative are:

1. workplace mental health
2. research
3. community care and access
4. anti-stigma

Bell Let’s Talk Campaign

One of the key pillars of Bell’s Mental Health Initiative is anti-stigma. As part of Bell’s efforts to reduce the stigma of mental illness, the Bell Let’s Talk awareness campaign has already begun to engage Canadians in the dialogue around mental health.

Once again, with Olympian Clara Hughes front and centre, the third annual Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign will feature a national multi-media campaign that culminates on February 12, 2013. Joining Clara as spokespeople for Bell Let’s Talk Day and to help grow the dialogue on mental health this year are composer and performer Stefie Shock,actor-comedian Michel Mpambara and award-winning journalist Seamus O’Regan.

On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will contribute $.05 for every text message and long distance call sent by Bell and Bell Aliant customers to mental health related initiatives. In addition to phone and text, people will be encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health through social media and access information about the mental health community via the Bell Let’s Talk portal at www.bell.ca/letstalk.

Recognizing that simply talking makes a significant impact in breaking down the barriers to mental health, the campaign encourages people to “start the conversation” about mental health and engage in dialogue with friends, family and co-workers.

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The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Is Pleased to See the Release of Canada’s First Ever Voluntary Workplace Mental Health Standard

January 17, 2013. On January 16th, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the Bureau de Normalisation du Quebec (BNQ), and the Mental Health Commission of Canada release the country’s first-ever national voluntary workplace Standard:  The National Standard of Canada – Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – Prevention, promotion and guidance to staged implementation. The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) congratulates all parties involved in the creation of this Standard and advocates for Canadian employers to adopt its principles to help improve workplace mental health in Canada.

“All Canadians deserve to work in an environment that values and protects a person’s mental wellness, is free of stigma, and promotes psychological health. The Standard is a moving in the right direction,” said Dave Gallson, Co-chair of CAMIMH for 2013. “It is estimated that mental illness costs the Canadian economy $51 billion annually with $6.6 billion reported in lost productivity due to mental illness.”

Development of the voluntary Standard was supported by funding from the government of Canada, the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace, and Bell.

On October 2nd 2012, CAMIMH met with members of parliament to discuss the state of mental health in Canada. One of their key asks was for the Federal Government to take action to create psychologically effective work places for their employees which will in turn reduce costs associated with stress leaves and health coverage while improving work force productivity. CAMIMH believes that as one of Canada’s largest employers, the federal government should set the example by creating mentally healthy workplaces in the public service which will benefit management, employees and their families. This involves adopting mental health promotion practices, such as those set out in the Standard, as well as making psychological services and supports available to employees with mental health issues.

“Since many mental illnesses manifest between the ages of 18 to 24, a time when people are entering the workforce, it is imperative that employers recognize the importance of providing support for the one in five Canadians who go through a mental illness or problem each year”, states John Higenbottam, CAMIMH Co-Chair.

CAMIMH feels that the introduction of this Standard is the first step towards realizing this recommendation. CAMIMH is hopeful that more steps will be taken to improve access to services and support for all Canadians.

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Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

To learn more about CAMIMH’s campaigns please visit camimh.ca or contact:

Kalene DeBaeremaeker
Email: info@miaw.ca
Tel. : 613-233-8906

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The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Opens Nominations for the Champions of Mental Health Awards

CAMIMH Calling for Submissions from Members of the Public

(Ottawa, Ontario) January 15th, 2013. Today, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) has officially opened nominations for the Champions of Mental Health Awards for 2013. The annual Champions Awards bring together political decision makers, business leaders, members of the national media, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada in the past year.

“Each year, we honour a group of inspiring Canadians who work diligently to raise awareness about mental health and work to end the stigma associated with mental illness,” stated Dr. Karen Cohen, Chair of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) 2013. “We are truly grateful for their efforts and these awards are a way to celebrate and recognize their remarkable contributions.”

Held each year in Ottawa, the gala to honour the 2013 Champions of Mental Health Awards recipients will be hosted on May 6th 2013 at the Château Laurier. The Champions of Mental Health Awards are a key component of CAMIMH’s annual awareness campaigns and are made possible through the generous support of its presenting sponsor Bell, as part of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative. In 2012, CAMIMH received a record 40 nominations and had the difficult task of choosing only five recipients. The 2012 Champions Awards recipients included: Retired Senator W. David Angus, Scott Chisholm, founder of the Collateral Damage Project, Dr. Trang Dao, Psychiatric Researcher, Michael Landsberg, TSN Broadcaster and the Cardinal Newman Peer Mentors.

“Mental illness is an issue that reaches everyone. One in five Canadians will experience a mental problem or disorder in a given year. Even more will know someone who has. We hope that by recognizing some of the work that is being done to raise awareness, end stigma and promote access to needed services and supports will make a difference for Canada’s mental health,” concluded Cohen.

To nominate a Champion, please visit Nominate a Champion for details. Submissions will be accepted until March 1st, 2013 in several categories including private sector; public sector; research; community (individual), and; community (organization).

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Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Kalene DeBaeremaeker, Champions Awards Organizing Committee
Tel. : 613-233-8906   Email: champions@miaw.ca

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The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Celebrates Mental Illness Awareness Week with the 2012 Faces of Mental Illness

CAMIMH to Recognize Five Outstanding Canadians on Parliament Hill

OTTAWA, October 2, 2012. Today, members from the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) are celebrating five outstanding Canadians who are living in recovery from mental illness – this year’s Faces of Mental Illness. The annual Faces campaign – now in its tenth year – aims to get people talking about mental illness and recognizes the important role mental health plays in the lives of all Canadians. By coming forward, the Faces will help to remove the stigma associated with mental illness.

This year, CAMIMH received an astounding 90 nominations from across Canada of people living in recovery from mental illness. Of these, each of whom had inspiring stories to share, CAMIMH has chosen five individuals whose messages speak clearly to their lived experiences.

“Canadians from all walks of life continue to prove that with access to appropriate mental health services and supports, recovery from mental illness is possible,” stated Dr. Karen Cohen, Chair of MIAW 2012. “As well as recognizing exceptional individuals, the Faces campaign has a proud history of raising awareness and placing mental illness high on the public agenda.”

“Despite the advancements we have seen in Canada’s approach to mental health, Canadians living with mental illness continue to encounter barriers which prevent them from seeking the help they need and deserve,” continued Dr. Cohen. “Some of those barriers, such as the persistent stigma associated with mental illness, will take time to bring down. However, the lack of access to services and treatment for Canadians living with mental illness is something Parliamentarians can change today. That is why we are on Parliament Hill this morning – to encourage the government to take action and make mental health a priority.”

CAMIMH members and Parliamentarians assembled this morning for a breakfast on Parliament Hill, sponsored by Bell as part of their Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative, to discuss mental health
concerns in Canada. In addition to speaking with Members of Parliament and Senators, the afternoon will also include a crucial meeting with Their Excellencies Governor General David Johnston and Dr.
Sharon Johnson to discuss the advancement of Canada’s mental health community and particularly youth mental health in this country.

“The vast majority of adults living with mental illness experienced signs and symptoms of their illness before the age of eighteen. That means early detection and treatment is fundamental to improving the quality of life for these young Canadians and placing them on a path to recovery,” said Dr. Cohen. “The federal government has a leadership role to fulfill here, and we hope CAMIMH’s efforts on the Hill today will encourage policy makers to take on a more proactive approach to improving the mental health of Canadians everywhere.”

Today’s activities and events are taking place as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2012, an annual national initiative organized by CAMIMH which runs from September 30 – October 6. MIAW’s purpose is to raise awareness on the importance of mental health for the overall health of all Canadians and to facilitate a much-needed national conversation about mental illness.

Mental Illness Awareness Week would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors: Bell, RBC Foundation, RX&D, and Janssen. To find out more about MIAW or other CAMIMH initiatives, please visit www.camimh.ca.

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Established in 1998, the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is an alliance of national mental health organizations comprised of health care providers and organizations representing persons with mental illness and their families and caregivers. CAMIMH’s mandate is to ensure that mental health is placed on the national agenda so that persons with a lived experience of mental illness and their families receive appropriate access to care and support.

For more information, please contact:
Kalene DeBaeremaeker, Faces of Mental Illness Organizing Committee
Tel: 613-233-8906 Email: faces@miaw.ca

For immediate distribution

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Canadian Psychiatric Association, the Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) stress the importance of bringing people and groups together to promote a collaborative approach to suicide prevention.

Canadians Rally in Support of Suicide Prevention

Ottawa, Ontario, September 8, 2012 – September 10^th is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide is the leading cause of injury related fatality in Canada. In 2009 alone, there were about 100,000 years of potential life lost to Canadians under the age of 75 as a result of suicides, and it is estimated that well over 3,000,000 Canadians have been touched by suicide in some way. Among those aged 15 to 34, suicide was the second leading cause of death.

This year, communities across Canada will be gathering to remember family and friends who died when despair overcame hope, and to support those who grieve, help those who struggle with living and renew a commitment to building a compassionate and caring society.  Scheduled events across the country include memorial walks and runs, remembrance gatherings, candle light vigils, and informational workshops.

In keeping with the theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day in Canada, “All Together – Promoting Hope and Resiliency,” the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP), the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Canadian Psychiatric Association, the Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) stress the importance of bringing people and groups together to promote a collaborative approach to suicide prevention.

The organizations note that there has been a very positive and significant shift in national attention devoted to this important public health issue. In addition to a growing number of courageous testimonials on the effect of suicide on people, families and communities, this past year saw Parliament for the first time become actively engaged in a serious discussion of suicide prevention.  A private member’s bill to establish a national framework on suicide prevention was introduced by the Hon. Harold Albrecht (Bill C300) and received overwhelming bi-partisan support. It is expected to be passed in the upcoming session of Parliament.

At the same time, organizations and individuals are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing the issue of suicide across systems, across disciplines and across jurisdictions. Last May, people from across the country met in Ottawa to discuss the creation of a National Collaborative for Suicide Prevention, and there are renewed efforts underway to develop a Canadian Distress Line Network. It is estimated that 90% of people who die by suicide were experiencing a mental health problem or illness, and the release of Canada’s first-ever mental health strategy in May provides an opportunity for improving the ability of the mental health system to help to prevent suicide.

Resources that contribute to suicide prevention by helping people believe in the possibility of building a life of dignity, purpose, and hope are increasingly being made available. These include a series of new resources produced by CASP in partnership with Klinic Community Centre in Winnipeg (“Hope and Healing at Work” and “Hope and Healing at Home”) which will be launched on September 10^th.  These and other resources are available on CASP’s website www.suicideprevention.ca.

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