NDP concerned about suicide prevention programs in north

The NDP is raising concerns about suicide prevention programs in northern Saskatchewan where six indigenous girls have killed themselves this fall.

Opposition critic Buckley Belanger says the government promoted an 811 emergency phone line for suicide calls, but in the middle of the night there have been times when no one was available to answer them.

“People have tried in the middle of the night and it is not available. How can the Sask Party recommend a service that isn’t there when people desperately need it,” Belanger asked Monday in the legislature.

Greg Ottenbreit, minister of rural and remote health, says an alternative is available and the province is trying to improve the programs.

He says the government continues to train nurses and other health professionals to work in northern communities.