9-8-8: Canada’s suicide crisis helpline
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. In November 2023, the Government of Canada launched 9-8-8, Canada’s new three-digit suicide crisis helpline. It’s available 24/7, by call or text, in English and French. If someone is in crisis, 9-8-8 responders will be there to provide the right support. As an employer, you can spread the word on the new suicide crisis line in your workplace using the materials on 988.ca.
Breaking the stigma around suicide
Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. An average of 4,500 people die by suicide each year in Canada1. That’s approximately 12 people per day. For every person lost to suicide, many more experience thoughts of suicide or attempt suicide. Being more attentive and actively listening can help us tune into signs that someone is struggling. Everyone’s mental health journey is different. That’s why it’s so important to have the tools and resources to support ourselves and those around us.
The more we understand about suicide and break the stigma, the more Canadians can get the help they need. For more information, please visit 988.ca.
Sun Life’s mental health supports
You can help employees take care of their mental health and well-being through prevention, early intervention and creating psychologically safe workplaces. We have solutions that can help.
- Our Mental Health Strategy Toolkit provides guidance, actionable tools, and resources.
- Free, online Mental Health Education helps people leaders and employees understand various aspects of mental health.
- The Mental Health Coach (MHC), provided by CloudMD, takes a personalized approach to providing early intervention and helping plan members get the care they need.
- Lumino Health Virtual Care’s suite of services provides access to the right health-care or professional services provider through one app.
Questions? We’re here to help.
Please contact your Sun Life Group Benefits representative.
1Statistics Canada. Canadian Vital Statistics—Death Database. 2017–2019. Released in January, 2022.