GATINEAU – The CRTC this week opened a new proceeding asking anyone interested to comment on whether there is a need for a three-digit number, such as the 9-8-8 three-digit code in the United States, for a national mental health crisis and suicide prevention service.
For what it’s worth, this is almost sure to happen, however, “the CRTC is examining the advantages, challenges and costs associated with the deployment of this three-digit number,” says its announcement. This is something mental health advocates and the federal government is already backing.
The Commission is seeking answers to the following questions:
- Should the CRTC establish a national three-digit number for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services?
- How much time would it take to implement a national three-digit number?
- Should a three-digit number be deployed across Canada at the same time or phased in?
- Should the caller’s location information be captured automatically when dialing the three-digit number?
- Should Canadians be able to send text messages directly to the three-digit number?
The CRTC is welcoming comments until September 1, 2021.
There are approximately 4,000 deaths by suicide in Canada every year, which represent approximately 10 deaths every day. Some populations are at a significantly higher risk, including men, youth, those aged 45 to 59, and certain Indigenous communities, says the Regulator’s fact sheet.
While the CRTC’s role in establishing three-digit numbers is limited to administering phone numbers and requiring telecommunications service providers to implement this three-digit number across Canada, it does not have authority over the organizations that provide emergency services via a three-digit number. This is why this consultation will not examine matters related to the governance and coordination of organizations providing mental health crisis and suicide prevention services, as well as the funding of those organizations.”
In the meantime, Canadians experiencing mental health distress can obtain assistance by dialing toll-free 1-833-456-4566. Residents of Quebec are encouraged to call 1-866-APPELLE. 9-1-1 is also a valid option.
