Debate on Opposition Motion—National Suicide Prevention Strategy

Discussions on LGBT youth suicide

Toronto: On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, Interim-Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Bob Rae, introduced a motion in the House of Commons to establish and fund a National Suicide Prevention Strategy.The motion read as follows:

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.

During the course of debate on the motion, a number of MPs took the opportunity to discuss the tragedy of suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) youth. Below are excerpts from this debate, including all references to suicide among the LGBT community.

Hon. Bob Rae (Toronto Centre, Lib.)

Ms. Libby Davies (Vancouver East, NDP)

Mr. Justin Trudeau (Papineau, Lib.)

Mr. Sean Casey (Charlottetown, Lib.)

Hon. Irwin Cotler (Mount Royal, Lib.)

Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP)

Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.)

Egale Canada ©2011

Canada's LGBT human rights organization: advancing equality, diversity, education, and justice.