A new three-digit mental health hotline will become available by November 30, 2023 after the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission approved a motion put forth by MPs in the House of Commons.
“This is very good news. It’s long overdue. We brought forward this motion in the last parliament, which passed unanimously. It’s too bad that the government took so long to act,” says Kenora MP Eric Melillo.
The motion was introduced by B.C MP Todd Doherty back in the House of Commons back in December 2020 – over 600 days ago.
“It’s certainly good news that it’s now approved. This will help so many people that are struggling with mental health. I surely hope that it will be implemented by the CRTC as quickly as possible. So we will be advocating for that,” Melillo says.
Once implemented, Canadians in need of mental health crisis and suicide prevention services will be able to call or text 9-8-8 free of charge.
For those struggling, help is available through Canada’s current Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566.