Sask. minister to travel to northern community Sucker River amid suicide crisis
An official from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band is sounding the alarm about increasing suicides in Saskatchewan’s northern communities.
Devin Bernatchez believes the pandemic is causing more depression, addiction and suicides. Bernatchez invited the Minister of Rural and Remote Health Everett Hindley to come to northern Saskatchewan to assist.
“People have lost jobs, mom and dad have lost jobs. Kids were told to get out of school, kids were told to learn online, kids were told you couldn’t play sports anymore. So how does that affect depression?” Bernatchez, who represents Sucker River, said. “It increases it and so you know we’ve seen this pandemic increase suicide, you know that whole mentality and the depressed state, in the North more so.”
Bernatchez wants collaboration with the government on suicide prevention programs. He had a moment on Monday to express the need to HIndle, who said he had heard of the issue “anecdotally.”
“I thank the individual, Devin from Sucker River who came down to visit us today to talk about the story in his community,” Hindley said.
Tristan Durocher’s suicide awareness camp last year led to the passage of a Suicide Prevention Strategy but northern MLA Doyle Vermette says he hasn’t seen much action since.
“No action. That’s what I’m saying, no action so we’re watching that and it needs to be a partnership and Devin talks about this,” Vermette, NDP MLA said. “He’s willing to work, he’s here. He wants to work with the federal government, the provincial government.”
Bernatchez invited the Hindley to come to Northern Saskatchewan.
“Come onto our reserve, come into our communities. Don’t be scared to come into the rez. You know we invite you. Come and see it for yourself you know, and let’s see how we can help people out,” Bernatchez said.
The government has accepted the invitation. Hindley will be travelling to Sucker River in the next few months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.