Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of Quebec's suicide prevention week, the Bloc Quebecois would like to draw attention to the efforts by the Government of Quebec to stabilize and lower the suicide rate in Quebec.
Suicide is the primary cause of death among young men between 15 and 29 and has been on the rise since 1990. More women than men attempt suicide. This is a complex phenomenon if ever there was one, and the risk factors involved in suicide are many: psychological problems, drug or alcohol dependency, dysfunctional families, difficult economic circumstances, job loss, social isolation.
The federal government's cuts in transfer payments to the provinces have forced them to cut health and social services. Furthermore, the empty job creation promises of the Liberal government are not helping anyone in difficulty to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
By giving the provinces their due, the Liberal government will be helping to prevent suicide. We encourage it to do so.