World Suicide Prevention Day - Member's Statement

MS. CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to mourn the lives lost to suicide all over our province. Yesterday, September 10th, was World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide is a leading cause of death among Canadians and one of the top two causes of those under 35. Sadly, rates are still on the rise in Nova Scotia.

Suicide is a preventable cause of death. Prevention begins with working to remove the stigma attached to its leading causes - depression, mental illness, trauma, addiction, and isolation - and to work as hard as we can to offer compassion and treatment in their stead.

Please join me in recognizing this devastating issue, and as leaders, let us heed the theme of this year's day of recognition and work together to prevent suicide.