The MP for Saskatchewan’s far north called for federal action to address a wave of attempted suicides in Black Lake.
Georgina Jolibois, who represents the riding of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River for the NDP, grilled the government on the issue during question period on Thursday. She called for “urgent action” and increased funding for mental health services in the northern First Nation, whose chief recently reported an increase in attempted suicides.
“Black Lake Saskatchewan fears for the lives of the young members of our community,” she said. “In the last six weeks, 30 young people have attempted suicide.”
Jolibois called on the Prime Minister to “urgently increase funding” for the Athabasca Health Authority, which was recently forced to cut overtime hours for mental health workers after running a five-year deficit.
“These young people cannot afford more broken promises,” she said. “Words are meaningless and action is needed now.”
For more on this story, please see the Feb. 3 print or e-edition of the Daily Herald.
