MA Suicide in Canada is a significant social concern and major public health problem.
Suicide results in one of the highest rates of potential years of life lost.
The rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour have been steadily increasing over the years and have only recently reached a plateau. For every completed suicide, an estimated 10 to 100 suicides are attempted. An extensive study in a major western Canadian urban setting showed that the rate of suicide attempts for a one-year period was higher than in any of the 17 major cities in Europe that collected similar data. Highlights from the Literature Suicidal Behaviour in Children and Adolescents Suicidal behaviour in children and youth is complex and must be understood within a multidimensional framework that takes into account the individual, familial, social, economic and cultural contexts. In reviewing the literature, several key findings provide insights into suicidal behaviour in these populations.