2012:01 NATIONAL YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION STRATEGY
Whereas 1 in October 2011, an opposition motion was introduced into and approved by the Parliament of Canada, urging the government to work cooperatively with the provinces, territories and other stakeholders to establish and fund a National Suicide Prevention Strategy; and
Whereas 2 youth suicide continues to be a grave concern; and
Whereas 3 some young people bullied by peers resort to suicide in order to avoid the experience of unbearable persecution; and
Whereas 4 no National Suicide Prevention Strategy has been developed in Canada; and
Whereas 5 there are barriers to young people and their parents receiving effective help because some professionals working in this area are insufficiently trained in mental health services; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy support for:
a. a national suicide prevention strategy and
b. delivery of care involving youth at risk of suicide as a critical area of practice requiring specific training, research, and program development with sufficient mental health services which can be delivered in a timely fashion; and be it further
Resolved 2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to act immediately to work with the provinces, territories, and the Assembly of First Nations to provide leadership and funding for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy to include:
a. developing suitable, effective educational material to address and prevent youth suicide;
b. engaging in a public education campaign, which will address the identification, prevention and care of youth at risk of suicide;
c. giving priority to education and training by qualified personnel for medical and nursing students, and for front-line staff in educational, housing and recreational locations;
d. developing and funding a framework of new mental health services, including emergency services available to youth and their families both at short notice and over a longer time frame;
e. examining the possibility of using the framework of a “Life Promotion Strategy” as well as/or instead of the usual Suicide Prevention Services for dealing with youth at risk of suicide; and
f. continuing to address the issue when a particular youth or child is bullied by a peer or group of peers.
Resolved 3 that the National Council of Women of Canada recommends that the Provincial Councils urge their respective governments to work with the Federal Government to develop a National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy as outlined in Resolved #2.