Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, the suicide rate for teenagers in the Northwest Territories is two and a half times the national average. This is a serious concern for this government, for the education and health care systems, as well as for communities and families. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to teen suicide is essential. Teenagers need information about how to deal with the pressures and stresses of their lives. People who care for, or work with youth need to be able to recognize suicidal behaviour, so they can find help for young people who may be thinking about ending their lives.
This evening, "Live and Well", a television series produced by Education, Culture and Employment, will air a show about teen suicide. The show is called "Facing the Pain: Suicide Prevention for Teens". It is a joint project between Education, Culture and Employment and Health and Social Services. "Facing the Pain" is a television drama created by a group of Fort Smith high school students. It follows the thoughts and actions of two characters as they contemplate suicide. The show includes educational information about how to identify suicidal behaviour.
The ultimate message of the show is that the only way to grow as a person, and the only way to deal effectively with problems, is to face painful situations. The two characters in the TV drama eventually recognize that their lives are valuable and take steps to resolve their problems. The show also emphasizes that talking about suicide and personal problems is the first stop towards healing.
After the drama is aired, people will have the opportunity to phone the show to ask questions or discuss issues. Professional counsellors from various health backgrounds will be screening the calls. Members of the audience will also be able to e-mail or fax their thoughts about the show.
"Facing the Pain" will be shown on Television Northern Canada, that is TVNC, tonight at 6:30 p.m., Mountain Standard Time. It will be repeated on Friday at 11:00 a.m. and Monday night at 8:00 p.m., Mountain Standard Time.