TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada is taking an important step to make sure Canadians can access suicide prevention support when they need it most.

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced that the federal government will invest up to $120.2 million over the next two years to support the continued operations of the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, a critical service for Canadians in distress.

Launched in 2023, the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is Canada's national, three-digit number for suicide crisis support. Anyone  who is experiencing a suicide crisis or who is worried about someone close to them can call or text 9-8-8 at any time to access to 24/7/365, bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally-appropriate  support from trained responders.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will continue to coordinate and operate the helpline in collaboration with 37 network partners across Canada, including local crisis lines, provincial mental health services, and national organizations such as Kids Help Phone and Hope for Wellness.

Quotes

"We know that asking for help is not always easy - especially in moments of crisis. That is why 9-8-8 has been so important for Canadians. Through visits to 9-8-8 partner locations across the country, I've seen firsthand how trained responders provide hope, compassion and support in moments of crisis. Protecting the mental health and well-being of Canadians is a priority for our government as there is no health without mental health and when Canadians are feeling good, our country is stronger. "

The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health

"The continued funding for 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline reflects a strong commitment to suicide prevention and confidence in the crisis line and helpline partners delivering 9-8-8 nationwide. We are deeply grateful for the Government of Canada's partnership and for their continued trust in CAMH and the 9-8-8 Partners to provide this life-saving service. As Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, CAMH is honoured to continue leading the implementation and operation of 9-8-8, ensuring that anyone, anywhere in the country can access timely, compassionate suicide prevention support when they need it most."

Sarah Downey, President and CEO, CAMH

"Over the past two years, we've seen how powerful it is when people have somewhere to turn in moments of distress. Suicide is complex and many people struggle to understand what they're feeling, whether they should ask for help, and where to find it. 9-8-8 is a simple, easy to remember three-digit number that makes reaching out easier. As we look ahead to the continuation of this service, our message remains the same: if you're feeling alone, stuck, or overwhelmed, you don't have to face it alone. 9-8-8 is here to listen and support you."

Dr. Allison Crawford,
Chief Medical Officer of the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline and a psychiatrist at CAMH 

Quick Facts

• Every day in Canada, on average, 13 people die by suicide, and more than 250 people attempt it.
• In 2023, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $177 million over three years to CAMH for the implementation and operation of 9-8-8 and to bolster the capacity of distress centres that were part of the existing network.
• Since its launch on November 30, 2023, 9-8-8 has responded to more than 800,000 calls and texts.

Associated links

• About 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Kids Help Phone
• Hope for Wellness

SOURCE Health Canada (HC)