A National Suicide Prevention Strategy for Canada: Hope Can't Wait Campaign
This page can be short-linked accessed via about.hopecantwait.ca or hopecantwait.ojb-bjb.ca or nsps.ojb-bjb.ca.
Sign Petition | Suicide Prevention in Canada | Get Involved | Common Questions | Contact
Suicide prevention is everyone's business.
Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Canada and accounts for just over 25% of all deaths of youth ages 15-29 in Canada, yet Canada is one of the only countries in the G7 without a National Suicide Prevention Strategy and instead uses a 12-point action plan.
Throughout the 2023 and 2024 Calls of Action, published between 2022 and 2024, Joshua has called for the creation of a National Suicide Prevention Strategy as well as the implementation of a Canada Mental Health Transfer. This follows his own lived experience with suicide attempts and previous poor mental health.
In March 2026, a petition was submitted to the House of Commons for the creation and implementation for a formal national suicide prevention strategy. This Petition will be presented by MP Jake Sawatzky to the House of Commons. It remains open for signatures until 17 July 2026 at hopecantwait.ca.
Hope Can't Wait: Sign the Petition
Petition e-7234 to the House of Commons: Creation of a National Suicide Prevention Strategy
A Look at Suicide Prevention in Canada
September
2009
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention releases a detailed blueprint for a formal national suicide prevention startegy for Canada
In 2009, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP), published it's second edition of a national suicide prevention strategy. While not governing law nor required to be followed, this blueprint sets out the groundwork for what a suicide prevention strategy should look like and be governed by.
December
2012
Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention Act becomes law
Parliament passed Bill C-300 which required the Government of Canada to create a national framework for suicide prevention that recognizes suicide as a public health priority and directs action on awareness, information, research, and collaboration. It should be noted that a national framework is not the same as a national strategy. This framework, and following other releases by the federal government, did not and have not replaced existing strategies or frameworks implemented by provinces, territories, communities or Indigenous communities or organizations.
November
2016
Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention relased
The federal government released the long awaited framework outlining strategic directions for reducing suicide and promoting life across jurisdictions and sectors.
May
2019
House of Commons adopts M-174
On 8 May 2019, the House of Commons unanimously passed a private member’s motion calling on the Government of Canada to develop a National Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
November
2023
National 9-8-8 launches
A national 3-digit suicide crisis and helpline is rolled out and formally launches in Canada. This service is bilingual and trauma-informed, providing 24/7 support for people in crisis by phone and text.
May
2024
National Suicide Prevention Action Plan released
The Government of Canada unveiled its first National Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2024–2027) to guide collaborative work across federal, provincial/territorial, Indigenous, and community partners.
March
2026
House Petition e-7234 opened for public signatures
Petition e-7234 to the House of Commons, calling on the federal government to create and implement a formal national suicide prevention startegy, opened for signatures from the public. The peition will remain open for 120 days.
Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved in the Hope Can't Wait Campaign.
"I Support" Campaign
Join others online and take a photo of you holding up the "I Signed" or "I Support" posters and post it online and tag @hopecantwait.ca or submit it via the portal below for us to post!
Common Questions
See commonly asked questions below for this advocacy area and the proposed petition. Have a question that is not answered? Reach Out.
Why did Joshua take this on?
Following lived experiences with suicide attempts and poor mental health, Joshua has been working since 2019, when he was 16, to ensure access to supportive resources for mental health and to reduce suicide in Canada.
Where do I sign the petition?
The petition is open for signatures on the Parliament of Canada's website, short-linked at hopecantwait.ca.
Information about the Hope Can't Wait Campaign for the petition can be found on this page, at nsps.ojb-bjb.ca.
How do I sign the petition?
Step 1: Visit hopecantwait.ca
Step 2: Review the petition and click 'Sign the petition' at the bottom of the page
Step 3: Add your information and click 'Sign'.
Step 4: Navigate to your email and click the confirmation link.
What happens after the petition closes?
Following the closure of the petition, if there are at least 500 signatures, the petition will be certified by the Clerk of Petitions and presented to the House of Commons.
Following this, the government of Canada will be required to table a formal response.
Where can I learn more about the petitions process?
You can learn more about the petitions process in Canada by visiting petitions.ourcommons.ca or viewing the information poster by clicking here.
How can I get more involved with this?
There are lots of ways to support this petition and to ensure greater suicide prevention in Canada.
Reach out and let's connect or share the social media graphics by visiting promote.hopecantwait.ca.
Is there a Promo Kit for the campaign?
Yes!
Visit the resources at promote.hopecantwait.ca.
Contact
Hope Can't Wait Campaign
Email: info@hopecantwait.ca
Website: about.hopecantwait.ca
Petition: hopecantwait.ca
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