Government of Canada launches three-digit suicide crisis helpline

THE Government of Canada on Thursday announced that 9-8-8, Canada’s new three-digit suicide crisis helpline, is now available to call or text, in English and French, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, across Canada.

The government said suicide continues to be a serious public health issue impacting people of all ages and backgrounds, and more needs to be done to support those in crisis. This is why it has provided $156 million over three years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to implement and operate the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. As of November 30, an experienced network of partners has trained responders ready to answer 9-8-8 calls and texts. Responders will provide support and compassion without judgement. They are here to help callers and texters explore ways to keep themselves safe when things are overwhelming.

The Government of Canada and CAMH have worked closely with partners from across many different sectors in the months leading up to today’s launch. Those partnerships are the foundation of the 9-8-8 network. This includes local partners such as Distress Centres of Greater Toronto and Gerstein Crisis Centre, Distress Centre of Ottawa, Crisis Prevention, Intervention and Information Centre for Northern BC, Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton and others across the country, as well as national partners such as Kids Help Phone and Hope for Wellness, who will continue to provide dedicated service through 9-8-8 to youth and Indigenous communities. As the 9-8-8 system continues to mature and evolve, PHAC and CAMH will continue to explore ways to build the network and support current and future network partners.

If you or someone you may know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8.

Federal Health Minister Mark Holland said: “The launch of 9-8-8 is an important step in making suicide prevention resources more readily available to everyone across Canada. 9-8-8 is easy to remember and will provide life-saving services to those who need it the most. Anytime and anywhere, 9-8-8 is always available to help.”

 

Quick Facts

  • An average of 4,500 people across Canada die by suicide each year – approximately 12 people per day.
  • In August 2022, the Government of Canada welcomed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) decision to adopt 9-8-8 as the three-digit number to call or text to access suicide prevention and crisis support. Telecommunications companies will activate 9-8-8 by November 30, 2023.
  • To prepare for the launch of 9-8-8, the Government of Canada announced in August 2022 that the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will lead the coordination of 9-8-8 service delivery, building on its experience delivering Talk Suicide Canada.
  • CAMH is the largest mental health teaching hospital in Canada and one of the world’s leading research centres in its field. CAMH’s role in leading the development of 9-8-8 service delivery in Canada builds on their experience delivering Talk Suicide Canada.
  • The Hope for Wellness Helpline will provide support to 9-8-8 callers in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut, upon request.