B.C. MP who championed 988 suicide crisis hotline says week is 'bittersweet' following personal loss

WARNING: This story contains mentions of suicide.

The northern British Columbia MP who championed the creation of a national suicide prevention hotline says its launch across Canada Thursday is a "bittersweet" victory for suicide prevention.

Todd Doherty, the Conservative MP for Cariboo-Prince George, tabled a federal bill to create the new 988 crisis hotline nearly three years ago.

Starting Thursday, anyone, anywhere in Canada can call or text 988 for free crisis support from a trained professional in either French or English, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"I believe it's going to save lives much the same as 911, when minutes and seconds count," Doherty told CBC's Daybreak Kamloops on Thursday.

But Doherty said the recent death of a 12-year-old boy in Prince George is a tragic reminder that 988 may have saved more lives if it was launched sooner.

Carson Cleland died by suicide in October, after he wasvictimized by online sexual extortion, Prince George RCMP said earlier this week.

About 12 people in Canada die by suicide every day, according to Statistics Canada.

"I am heartbroken and I am angry I think about the families that are dealing with the loss of loved ones, like the Cleland family," said Doherty. "Would Carson have called 988? I don't know.

"But I do know that we have to do whatever we can to break down the barriers, to break the stigma surrounding mental health, to let people know there isn't anything we can't talk about and that their lives are worth fighting for."

While Doherty's Dec. 11, 2020 bill was passed unanimously in the House of Commons, in May 2021 he tabled a motion to impose a one-year deadline on the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to have 988 up and running.

In May 2022, then-federal minister for mental health and addictions Caroyln Bennett admitted it was taking "a long time" to set up the hotline.

"Canada is a very diverse country in terms of its communication technology and infrastructure," Bennett said in an interview with CBC News at the time. She also noted it was important to ensure there are enoughproperly trained staff to run the hotline.

The CRTC told CBC News recently it took 10 months to transition all phones in Canada to 10-digit area codes, which was required to ensure 988 could launch for everyone in Canada at once.

Telecommunication providers have made 988 available to everyone in the country by phone call or text, according to the CRTC.

"It's been 1,084 days," said Doherty. "Would I have liked it to have been within the first 180 days after December 11th of 2020? Yes, I would have. But we're here today and let's look forward to the lives that we can save."

WATCH | 988 hotline to launch across Canada November 2023, says fedral minister:

Canada to launch three-digit 988 mental health-crisis line in November 2023

2 years ago

Duration 9:47

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett joins Power & Politics to discuss a new three-digit suicide prevention hotline and the Liberal government's promises on mental health.

More to do, says MP

Doherty's advocacy for the hotline is personal, he told CBC in an emotional interview.

At age 15 his best friend died by suicide, and Doherty says he has since lost several more friends, colleagues and loved ones to suicide.

"All these years later I still carry the guilt," he said, "wondering what if I just had that night to tell my friend that I loved him and that our world was a better place with him in it? Would that have made a difference?"

Doherty says he hopes the 988 hotline can be a positive part of his friend's legacy, but it's only one tool to prevent suicide.

"It will save lives, but there is so much more that we need to do," he said, including acting on Canada's National Suicide Prevention Framework and better education in schools.

"I want people to know that even in the darkest days, there are people out there that are fighting for them, help is always possible and there, regardless of whether they can see it or not."

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:

• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline:The helpline is a short, easy-to-remember number to get a quick response from coast to coast to coast, 24/7 and free of charge.You can also text this number 24/7.
• Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 (phone), live chat counselling onthe website.
• Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention:Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
• This guide from theCentre for Addiction and Mental Healthoutlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.