The federal NDP has discussed plans for a national suicide prevention strategy on a visit to Thunder Bay.
Party leader Jagmeet Singh touched on the issue during a meeting with Nishnawbe Aski Nation officials, noting an NDP government would work closely with First Nation communities especially for funding.
“One of the focuses is if it’s a nation to nation relationship, we must speak to nations and find their needs. In the past, it’s been Ottawa driven, as opposed to grass-roots driven.”
The NDP adds it’s bringing legislation forward in November proposing a suicide prevention strategy.
Timmins James Bay MP Charlie Angus adds four young people took their own lives in First Nation communities in the past week, arguing it’s important to have funding available to deal with this.
“We need to anticipate crisis, so as New Democrats, we’ll be bringing this fall, to the House, motion 174, calling for the federal government to be part of a national action strategy.”
Angus adds they’d work with groups like Nishnawbe Aski Nation to make sure any program is culturally appropriate for First Nation communities.