Mr. Speaker, this weekend marked the beginning of suicide prevention week, a week to draw attention to an increasingly disturbing phenomenon in our society.
In Quebec, 1,445 people committed suicide in 1995 and 1,478 did so in 1996. There was also a very disturbing trend, with men committing 79% of suicides between 1994 and 1997. Furthermore, between 1990 and 1997, the suicide rate climbed by 13%.
Suicide represents a rejection of life but, above all, an expression of extreme distress in the face of situations felt to be insurmountable.
We must not turn a deaf ear to these cries for help, which often come from loved ones in our immediate circle.