Thank you, Louise.
Louise has captured the urgency, the why behind Roots of Hope, and I'm here to talk about the how.
Roots of Hope is the first large-scale community suicide prevention research demonstration project of its kind in Canada. Similar initiatives in other countries have been shown to reduce the incidence of suicide by up to 20%, an extraordinary feat when we consider that Canada's suicide rate has been stagnant for decades.
Roots of Hope is revelatory, because it doesn't presume to know the answers; it starts by asking questions. It builds on what's already working in communities. It offers greater resources, a more formal structure and improved supports, and it works. Today there is no wait-list for mental health and addiction services counselling in Grand Banks, Newfoundland. That's right: There's no wait-list. The provincial government has eliminated the wait-list, which previously was upwards of eight months.
Roots of Hope is taking existing activities and programs and enhancing them. That's why it will never be replicated in exactly the same way in two communities. We believe that's why it works.
Roots of Hope is founded on international best practices: specialized supports like crisis lines, support groups and access to services; training for leaders and physicians, first responders and other gatekeepers; public awareness campaigns; means restriction; and research. To date, the commission has begun phase one of Roots of Hope planning and preparation, with funding secured from three provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan. Funding commitments are pending from provincial governments in three additional provinces.
At the commission, we envision expanding the number of communities participating in the project to fully represent Canada's population and demographics. Federal funding would enable the commission to put down Roots of Hope in all provinces and territories, while participating provinces can use funds to expand existing services.
Let's work together to make Canada a country where Roots of Hope branches out and flourishes from coast to coast to coast.
Thank you.