Suicides in northern Sask. topic of discussion during first day of fall sitting

The string of recent suicides in northern Saskatchewan was addressed in the legislature Wednesday as MLAs from both the NDP and the Saskatchewan Party stood to offer condolences to the families affected.

The government confirms a working group has been created on the ground to address these tragedies.

It involves representatives of First Nations communities, the health region, area tribal council and mental health supports.

Rural health minister Greg Ottenbreit insists the 811 Healthline is also there to offer immediate help to anyone who needs it.

“I think it is very important that we recognize that people have access to those mental health professionals, quite often in the case of suicidal thoughts that people need to talk to someone very quickly,” Ottenbreit insisted.

NDP interim leader Trent Wotherspoon called these circumstances devastating saying the opposition would stand together with the government.

“We need to reach out to these communities right now in a very urgent way,” Wotherspoon said.

The government is also walking with its federal partners to address mental health supports.