Thank you, Madam Chair.
Allow me, as chair of the women's caucus, to take this opportunity to wish all the women here a happy International Women's Day.
I would like to dive right into the matter. My question is for Professor Mishara. I find that you hit the bull's eye, you read my thoughts. We know that in Canada, some 3,700 people commit suicide every year, and 463 of those individuals are between the ages of 15 and 24. We know that a death isn't declared a suicide unless the person had clearly stated beforehand that he or she intended to commit suicide. It's even more tragic when we know that this rate is probably much higher.
In addition, more women than men commit suicide. This is something I'd like to bring up with the specialist, Dr. Heisel, afterwards.
You said that several countries have unfortunately been ahead of Canada in creating a national strategy. In your opinion, what is preventing us from adopting a national strategy here, in Canada? That's my first question.
And Ms. Fodden, you spoke about social attitudes. I am in full agreement with you. Know that if I'm talking like this, it's because I am a doctor by training. We know that, unfortunately, society does nothing at all when it comes to social attitudes toward minorities, regardless of the minority, be it sexual, cultural or something else.
Let's take the example of Ms. Batters. She spoke about her husband, who was very joyful and held a high-ranking position. I can tell you that, even in the medical community, people suffer in silence because society does nothing to demystify the issue, unfortunately. I think it's an illness because it has been scientifically proven that there's a deficit of certain serotonin and adrenalin receptors, and so on.
I find it appalling that the attitude we have is not aimed at demystifying mental health problems and, as a result, suicide.
My question is for both of you. Dr. Heisel, could you tell me why women's suicide attempts are more likely to be unsuccessful, whereas when men attempt suicide, it's fatal?