â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Cariboo-Prince George MP pushes for simplified national suicide prevention hotline

Cariboo-Prince George MP, Todd Doherty has tabled a motion in Parliament to create a three-digit (988) nationwide suicide prevention hotline.

“There’s been a push going on for some time to simplify our National Suicide Prevention Hotline,” said Doherty, “remembering a ten-digit number instead of a three-digit number is a lot harder and creates a barrier.”

The current suicide prevention measures across the country are all reached separately, which Doherty claims is another obstacle making suicide prevention in Canada less accessible.

“We have 911 in place so harmonizing 988 for those in need in terms of suicide prevention just seems like a logical step,” he explained.

When he asked Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu about the hotline in question period she was receptive and they have since had subsequent conversations on the issue.

In addition, Doherty has brought the hotline to the attention of the all-party mental health caucus, he claims there seems to support from all sides.

Doherty has tabled an opposition day motion and is now asking for a day to debate the topic which would lead to a vote resulting in either a committee hearing or unanimous support.

“The debate would be more of a day of conversation and bringing the mental health discussion to the national stage which is so important now more than ever,” noted Doherty.

The Canadian Suicide Prevention service has seen an extreme increase in demand since the onset of the pandemic, Doherty explained this step is detrimental to Canada’s COVID-19 recovery process.

Northern BC Suicide Prevention:

Northern BC Crisis Centre
Crisis Chat (4 PM – 10 PM PT): www.northernyouthonline.ca
Youth Support: (250) 564-8336

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

Website refresh surfaces more of your important local stories

Regular visitors to this website will have noticed some changes to the home page and other templates in recent days.

City launching update for Active Transportation Plan

The City of Prince George is launching an update to its Active Transportation Plan, and is inviting feedback from residents. According to the City, the updated plan will guide the development of infrastructure and programs which support safer, more accessible, and more convenient travel options for people of all ages and abilities. 

Three B.C. First Nations get federal funding for clean energy projects

Three First Nations in British Columbia will receive federal funding for clean energy projects.

RCMP looking to identify suspects in repeated vandalism investigation

The Prince George RCMP are looking to identify suspects in an investigation into repeated vandalism at a residence on the 100-block of McQueen Crescent. According to police, the initial investigation began in late May, when unidentified suspects threw a rock through the front window of the home, and spray painted the front with orange spray paint.

B.C. sharpens claws on exotic cat ownership

British Columbia is moving to ban all exotic cats in the province.
- Advertisement -