Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Department of Health and Social Services does not currently have a specific suicide prevention strategy. However, the Child and Youth Mental Wellness Action Plan contains commitment to develop a suicide prevention and crisis response network.

I would like to add, also, that part of the work includes funding to support community-based prevention activities and improve screening by implementing two standardized suicide risk assessment tools, one for adults and one for youth. These tools were rolled out this summer in 2019.

We also have the development of a coordinated approach to responding to suicide or other crises. This work currently is in process and will focus on a clear process for Health and Social Services system when a crisis occurs. A key piece of this process will be engaging with community impacted and taking our lead from them as to what supports they need.

Also, I would like to add the department also delivers a prevention program aimed at educating residents on the signs that someone may be thinking of suicide and how to connect them to resources. In addition, these programs are called Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. They are delivered across the Northwest Territories by the Health and Social Services authorities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.