Thank you for the question.
The meeting that was held in the circumpolar region I think revealed a very real and important truth, that there is no one size fits all to address this important question. It's very important that approaches be based and anchored in the traditions of the society, the elements of the society, in which the problem resides. It's very important that the communities become engaged in recognizing the issues at hand, recognizing some of the issues that may predispose someone to attempt to take their life. Very much the initial message is that the social and environmental determinants of these disorders need to be given very strong prominence.
Having said that, at the other end of the spectrum, when we're delving into basic biological issues that might explain tendencies to commit suicide, some of the best work in the world is being done in Canada at McGill University by Gustavo Turecki and his colleagues. They have evidence now clearly indicating that early childhood adversity can affect epigenetic factors. I won't give you a lecture on epigenetics, but the key here is that we now are gaining a better understanding of how environment can influence the way in which our genetic code is read out. It doesn't change the code, but it changes the way in which genetic information can influence the structure of the brain, and hence our thoughts and actions. This is really, really promising, because epigenetics also could lead to biomarkers of a tendency towards suicidal behaviour, and perhaps to, in the long run, interventions.
Finally, the other point I would make is it's very clear that there's a close relationship between depression and suicide in all elements of Canadian society. Recognition of the need to treat early and effectively the first incidences of depression I think will also be an important step.
I hope that answers, in part, your question.