In just a few days, Cariboo-Prince George Conservative MP Todd Doherty’s long-awaited 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline will finally get connected.
On Thursday Nov. 30, 9-8-8 will be up and running and ready to take calls.
“Suicide is a deeply personal issue which impacts us all. Years of hard work and advocacy are finally paying off. On Nov. 30, 2023, after more than 1,000 days after the House unanimously passed my bill to bring 988 to Canada and after relentless pressure by conservatives and Canadians struggling with their mental health, we'll finally have access to a simple, easy to remember, three digit suicide prevention hotline,” said Doherty in Parliament on Monday.
Doherty’s motion to create 988 was passed in the House of Commons back in 2020, and his quest to get the three-digit 988 version in place won approval from the Canadian Radio-televison and Telecommunciations Commission in August.
“This saving grace will be open 24/7 will be staffed by expert crisis responders and... will allow Canadians in their darkest hour to call or text 988 to receive confidential, immediate and non-judgmental support,” he said.
“On behalf of the Conservative Party and myself, I’d like to extend a personal and heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been involved in the process of creating and launching 988,” he added. “Your efforts are going to save lives and those who are struggling with mental illness, know that you don’t have to suffer alone. You are loved, you are valued, and your life is worth fighting for."
