Suicide Prevention Day: Ministers Wilson and Turton
Press Release
Sep 10, 2025
Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Rick Wilson and Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton issued the following statement on World Suicide Prevention Day:
“Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we stand together to remember those we have lost, support those who are struggling and reaffirm our commitment to building a province where every Albertan knows they are not alone.
“Suicide is a complex issue, but it is preventable. Behind every statistic is a person – a loved one, a friend or a neighbour – whose life matters. That’s why Alberta’s government continues to take bold, compassionate action to strengthen mental health supports across the province.
“We are investing in initiatives that help Albertans build resilience, develop recovery capital and access safe, evidence-based supports focussed on recovery. These include services like 211 Alberta, partnering with Counselling Alberta to provide affordable counselling options across the province and youth-focused supports such as CASA Mental Health classrooms and youth mental health hubs.
“To anyone who is struggling – please know that help is available, and recovery is possible. A call to Counselling Alberta could provide the support needed for yourself or a loved one who is struggling.”
– Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
“Our government is taking meaningful action to strengthen youth mental health and suicide prevention. Through the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program, we are supporting delivery of targeted, community-based initiatives for youth at increased risk of suicide. These grants are helping community organizations adapt services to meet the needs of youth in our province, expanding access to early intervention supports, and building on Alberta’s broader approach to improving the mental health and well-being of children and youth.
“To Alberta’s youth: you matter. You are not alone. There is help, there is hope, and there is a community that cares deeply about your well-being.”
– Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services
Through our Family Resource Networks, we are dedicated to ensuring young people – especially those in rural and Indigenous communities – have access to safe spaces, culturally appropriate services and programs that promote belonging, empowerment and hope. These networks deliver prevention and early intervention services and supports for children, youth and their families, providing age-specific programming, social supports and community connections.
Help is just a call or text away. You can call or text 988 to speak with a highly trained responder though Alberta-based partners Distress Centre Calgary and Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also call or text 211 or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for 24 hours a day, seven days a week support, information and referrals to services. The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada, providing online support and phone counselling available in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut at 1-855-242-3310.
Related information
- 211 Alberta
- Counselling Alberta
- Kids Help Phone
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- Hope for Wellness Helpline
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