The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will adopt 9-8-8 late next year as SA国际影视传媒渢he number to call or text for Canadians who are in need of immediate mental health crisis and suicide prevention intervention.SA国际影视传媒�
The number, once implemented by telephone and wireless service providers, will send calls and texts to 9-8-8, which will then be directed to a mental health crisis or suicide prevention service, free of charge.
SA国际影视传媒淭he implementation of 9-8-8 as an easy-to-remember, three-digit number will help reduce barriers to mental health and suicide prevention resources,SA国际影视传媒� reads a CRTC statement. SA国际影视传媒淭he number will enable greater access regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic status as it will be available from coast to coast, 24/7 and free of charge. Furthermore, the ability to text to 9-8-8 will ensure that people in crisis who are unable to safely call, or prefer texting, are able to obtain counselling.
SA国际影视传媒淲e are taking a significant step in making mental health and suicide prevention resources more accessible to everyone in Canada,SA国际影视传媒� said Ian Scott, chairperson and CEO of the CRTC. SA国际影视传媒淎 single, easy-to-remember point of contact will provide much-needed help to those in crisis and will be crucial to saving lives. Although much work is left to be done to bring help to people who need it, we have set accelerated timelines to ensure that 9-8-8 is implemented as quickly and as efficiently as possible.SA国际影视传媒�
What it means for Yellowknife?
SA国际影视传媒淚n order for 9-8-8 to function across Canada, 10-digit dialing must first be introduced in areas where 7SA国际影视传媒慸igit dialing is still the norm,SA国际影视传媒� the CRTC notice advises. SA国际影视传媒淭his includes Newfoundland and Labrador, northern Ontario and the Yellowknife area.
SA国际影视传媒淭o this effect, the CRTC is SA国际影视传媒渞equiring service providers to complete the transition to 10-digit local dialing in these areas by May 31, 2023.SA国际影视传媒�
Following the completion of the transition, service providers will have a total of six months to make any necessary changes to their networks to enable callers to dial or text 9-8-8.
SA国际影视传媒淭his will ensure that 9-8-8 is launched across Canada at the same time, on Nov. 30, 2023.SA国际影视传媒�
Immediate help
In the meantime, people in Canada who are experiencing mental health distress can obtain assistance through Talk Suicide Canada by dialing toll-free 1-833-456-4566.
SA国际影视传媒淎ssistance is also available through text. Adults can text 741741 and youth can text 686868. Quebec residents can text 1-855-957-5353. Talk Suicide CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 text service is available in the evenings from 4 p.m. to midnight Eastern Standard Time by texting 45645.SA国际影视传媒�
