Quebec invests $30 million more in suicide prevention
Province extends national strategy through 2028 with steady funding, though advocates say more resources are needed.
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Quebec has renewed its national suicide prevention strategy through 2028, committing $15 million annually for a combined investment of $30 million across the two-year extension.
The strategy, launched in 2022, set a target of reducing suicide deaths below 1,000 by 2026. According to the most recent data from the Quebec National Institute of Public Health, 1,043 people died by suicide in 2023 — the lowest recorded rate in Quebec's data history.
Today, three suicides occur in Quebec daily. The act ranks as the seventh leading cause of death for men and tenth for women in the province.
The Quebec Association for Suicide Prevention (AQPS) welcomed the strategy's renewal but flagged a funding concern. "The renewal of the strategy is very good news, as it provides essential stability," said Hugo Fournier, president and CEO of the AQPS. "However, it should be noted that the announced funding renews the annual budget exactly as announced for 2023."
"In a context where needs remain significant and costs are rising, this stability must be followed by additional resources to allow Quebec to go further in suicide prevention."
The strategy's 15 measures target suicide deaths, attempts and suicidal ideation through coordinated provincial action. Fournier emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and collaboration with stakeholders to assess impact.