MLAs ask what progress has been made on Nunavut's suicide prevention plan

Nunavut has the highest suicide rates in Canada, at seven times higher than the national rate, a reality Kitikmeot MLA Stephen Tuktu stressed in the Legislative Assembly. Piliwa maya kuilangma. Suicide in young people is getting out of hand. We do not want to lose them. Tuktu urged attention on the issue and action. Maybe we could showcase this more in the Legislative Assembly and everywhere else. But solutions to this tragic problem have been hard to find. The government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. declared a suicide crisis 10 years ago. Since then, there have been a number of action plans for prevention in Nunavut, such as Inosibut With an unblocked action plan, the GN NT declared a crisis There is a lot of work being put into supporting Nunavummiut, and there is always more work to be done. She highlighted the Department of Health is providing trauma training for mental health workers. The goal is to build up their skills so they are ready to help people who reach out. Providing support for people to move through their trauma In a way that meets them where they're at. Tuktu encourages Nunavummiut who are facing a tough time to reach out to their local health centers or a trusted friend for support. Caitlin Jonas, CBC News, Iqaluit. If you or someone you know is struggling, there's help in English and Inuktitut. You can call the Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Helpline at 1-800-265-3333. You can also call the Suicide Crisis Helpline by dialing 988. Those numbers are on your screen. Both lines are available 24/7.