Mr. Speaker, I have a message for David's friends.
David was our first child, mine and Caro's first child. He had a heart as big as the sky, and we were so proud of him. As a big brother, he was protective toward his two sisters, Marie-Soleil and Justine. He was a boy who never held back from saying “I love you” to his parents.
David was also a young man who tried marijuana one day with his friends. He was the type of young person who wanted to try everything himself. After experiencing his first heartbreak, David found comfort among his friends. Experimentation evolved into addiction. One day he went too far and wound up in front of a judge, but he promised he would never do drugs again. He turned his life around, found love again and became a dad to Clovis and Éloi. David saw himself as a strong guy. He had no need of therapy. However, life threw him one curveball and then another, and David's old demons resurfaced because he had kept in touch with his friends.
My wife, Caro, wrote this on Facebook on September 10:
Seven months ago today, my son took his own life....Because he wouldn't ask for help...he wouldn't take the hand that was being held out to him....
Today, September 10, is Suicide Prevention Day.
Please...ask for help or...accept the help that people who love you offer you....
I urge all of David's friends not to do what he did. Help is always available.
We love you, David.