WELLNESS WEDNESDAY #111: 9-8-8 Set To Launch in Fall

News out of Ottawa is that the long-awaited 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Line will launch in November—with $156 million in funding over three years.

This is the culmination of work by Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty.

Todd was 14 years old when his best friend died by suicide. Decades later, still moved by the memory of his friend. Todd introduced a motion in Parliament to create 9-8-8 as an emergency phone number for people contemplating suicide. It passed unanimously and it has taken years to get approved and off the ground.

When the announcement was made, Todd was deeply moved:

“On the morning of Aug. 31, my team sent a tweet from the CRTC informing Canadians it will be bringing 9-8-8 to Canada. I pulled over my truck in the Canadian Tire parking lot and wept. I couldn’t stop the tears. For over an hour, I tried to compose myself. I still tear up just thinking about it.”

9-8-8 is expected to launch in November.

Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 100 companies and more than 10,000 construction professionals better understand mental health. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.