Local MP continues to push for a national suicide hotline (Photo 128557037 © Kriscole | Dreamstime.com)

By Kevin Rothwell

9-8-8

Local MP presses for a national suicide prevention hotline

Mar 4, 2021 | 10:51 AM

North Okanagan Shuswap MP Mel Arnold continues to gather support for the idea of a national suicide prevention hotline.

The House of Commons passed a motion introduced by Prince George Conservative MP Todd Doherty in December 2020, to bring a national 3-digit (988) suicide prevention hotline to Canada.

The motion that was passed read:

“That, given that the alarming rate of suicide in Canada constitutes a national health crisis, the House call on the government to take immediate action, in collaboration with our provinces, to establish a national suicide prevention hotline that consolidates all suicide crisis numbers into one easy to remember three-digit (988) hotline that is accessible to all Canadians.”

“Because motions in the House are non-binding, the implementation of this initiative is entirely up to the Government of Canada,” Arnold said.

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Current suicide help lines require a 10-digit number and some lead to directories or place callers on hold.

Arnold has sent a request to all nine municipal governments in the North Okanagan–Shuswap asking that they pass a motion endorsing the 988 proposal.

“The U.S. is already proceeding on this initiative and I want to see 988 implemented as soon as possible, to help save lives and reduce the resulting heartache caused to families here in the North Okanagan–Shuswap as well,” Arnold added.

Over 1,200 people have signed an electronic petition to the House of Commons, calling on the swift implementation of the line.