This is an important message from Dammy Albach, President of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP).

Hello!  As many of you know, on October 4^th 2011 the House of Commons overwhelmingly passed a non partisan motion in support of a national suicide prevention strategy. The actual motion is:

That the House agree that suicide is more than a personal tragedy, but is also a serious public health issue and public policy priority; and, further, that the House urge the government to work cooperatively with the provinces, territories, representative organizations from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, and other stakeholders to establish and fund a National Suicide Prevention Strategy, which among other measures would promote a comprehensive and evidence-driven approach to deal with this terrible loss of life.

CASP has received a letter from MP Harold Albrecht advising us that the second hour of debate for Bill 300, one of two bills currently before parliament that would vastly  improve the Federal response to the tragedy of suicide, is coming up for further discussion in February.  Once this occurs, if the bill passes second reading it will go to committee for study, possible amendments, then back to the House for Report stage and 3^rd reading, then the vote for final passage, then off to Senate for a similar process and finally to the Governor General for Royal Assent.  It is a long process requiring significant support at every stage.  You can help!

It is our hope that everyone who supports adopting legislation that would:

Recognize suicide as a public health issue, provide guidelines for suicide prevention, promote collaboration and knowledge exchange regarding suicide, promote evidence-based solutions to prevent suicide and its aftermath, and define best practices for the prevention of suicide

Will send a letter of support to MP Harold Albrecht or their local MP , and/or print off, sign and mail in or take to their local MP the on line petition. (Parliament will not accept e-petitions, only actual copies)  The petition is on Harold’s Albrecht’s website at www.haroldalbrecht.ca on the home page under “Private Members Business” (very small print right at the bottom) and MP Albrecht’s email is Harold.albrecht@parl.gc.ca.

Please note there is no time to lose – 2^nd reading is coming very quickly.  Please also consider circulating this information and the petition across your networks.

We thank you so much for your support.

Sincerely,

Dammy Damstrom Albach

CASP President