WHEREAS for more than a decade, the incidence of suicide among the young Indigenous people of Northern Canada has remained ten times or higher than the national average, and,
WHEREAS in recent months, Nunavik (Northern Quebec) have experienced an even greater epidemic of suicide by its youth.
THEREFORE, WE, the undersigned, fathers, mothers, grandparents, siblings, friends, and others, hereby urgently demand that:
The Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of Quebec, immediately and publicly DECLARE the incidence of suicide in northern Quebec a National Crisis and publicly acknowledge that this is contrary to Canadian and Quebec ideals, values and principles, and contrary to the Honor of the Crown;
As an immediate response, petitioners request that the Prime Minister of Canada and the Premier of Quebec jointly APPOINT a Special Representative to enact immediate implementation of diagnostic, treatment and counseling programs, for combating these excessive incidents of youth suicide with adequate professionals, facilities, and financial resources, including but not limited to, addiction facilities and services, employment and training, and educational programs for Inuit of Nunavik.
Furthermore, once an emergency prevention and support system be in place, we demand that this Special Representative be instructed to EXAMINE the overall social economic and mental health services available in the Nunavik region, and the social and community implications surrounding this crisis, including alcohol abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome, drug use and dependence, housing conditions and impacts of family breakdown, sexual abuse and violence.
