What Canadians, and the families of loved ones lost to suicide, are saying about 988.
As someone who came so close to ending my life, I know what it is like to fumble through a bunch of numbers looking for the crisis line. When I finally found one to dial, my hands were shaking so much I dialed the wrong number twice. It was too long. Only a knock at my door from a family member saved me. But what would have happened without that? 988 is a great idea!
I'm a retired cop. I remember what it used to be like for people in an emergency before 911. Why would they not want the same idea to prevent suicide, which is taking too many law enforcement lives.
Don't these politicians in Ottawa understand that when they ignore someone like you trying to save people they are really showing disrespect to the families left behind to suicide?
I want to support your efforts in the memory of my daughter. If your 988 just saves one life it will be worth it.
What I don’t understand is why Canada’s politicians are cool to this innovation. What are they there for?
I saw your interview on CTV. You have such compassion. Families appreciate this so much. I support your 988 campaign.
Your idea is so great. Just like 911 but for stopping suicide. Please keeping fighting for it.
We lost our Tommy to suicide. I wonder if this idea might have saved him. I was interested that you said experts say it will save lives.
This is the official site of the 988 Campaign for Canada. It’s an innovation in combating suicide that CTV National News called “three numbers that could make all the difference.” Intended to replace the current nation-wide 11-digit suicide prevention hotline number, 988 will provider a faster and more direct way for those in crisis to reach out for the help they want, when seconds count in saving lives.
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Every day, 12 Canadians die from suicide. Every year, 100,000 attempt to take their lives — men, women and children. They come from every part of Canada and every socio-economic group. Some populations, such as indigenous and LGBTQ communities, are at especially high risk, as are victims of sexual trauma. When Canadians need to reach out for help with a mental health crisis, we deserve to get it as quickly as possible, just as we do when we call 911 for the help of police, fire or ambulance. That’s what 988 can do.
The easy-to-remember, faster-to-dial 988 hotline system is already in use in the U.S. It had the bipartisan support of the U.S. Congress, as well as the best clinical thinkers in mental health. We need it in Canada. The question is not, “Why do we need it in Canada?” but “What can we do to get it up and running as quickly as possible?” It’s time our politicians got on board and made it happen.
Kathleen Finlay interviewed by CTV National News on CRTC’s approval of 988 for Canada, beginning in November 2023.
Kathleen Finlay, founder of the 988 Campaign for Canada, interviewed on the CTV News Channel anchored by Angie Seth.
Kathleen Finlay talks about her campaign to bring 988 to Canada on CBC National News and the World at Six.
The Hill Times, March 18, 2020
Kathleen Finlay calls for the creation of a national suicide prevention roundtable.
The Ottawa Citizen, Print Edition, February 29, 2020
The Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, London Free Press, Kingston Whig-Standard,
February 28, 2020
See Kathleen Finlay’s Full Interview on CTV National News with Lisa LaFlamme, and Print Edition Story.
Read more about our 988 Campaign for Canada, and Kathleen’s efforts to raise awareness about the risks and causes of this epidemic of suicide, and innovations that can make a big difference in preventing it.