The provincial government is awarding 44 grants to community partners to develop initiatives, in an effort to support suicide prevention in Saskatchewan The Suicide Prevention Grant Program includes funding of more than $400,000, which each successful applicant receiving up to $10,000. According to the province, the program encourages community partners to develop creative ways to support suicide prevention, while focusing on training and skills development, increasing resource awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging communities to take action. Applications were accepted from community-based organizations, Indigenous communities, school divisions and municipalities. “I am encouraged by the strong response from groups across the province to the Suicide Prevention Grant Program,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. “These grants are an important way to collaborate with partners to support the mental health of Saskatchewan residents.” This is the second year of the Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which comes as Saskatchewan recognizes Sept. 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day. “This funding means a great deal to us because it gives us an opportunity to continue building conversations around mental health, suicide prevention and community wellbeing in a way that is culturally responsive and accessible,” Afro Tribes Festival Incorporated Founder & CEO Victor Ejike said. The grant program is part of Saskatchewan’s suicide prevention plan, Pillars for Life, which is a guide for government and partners to expand suicide prevention efforts. Saskatchewan is investing $674 million in mental health and addictions this year, which includes $2.3 million for suicide prevention initiatives. Other initiatives include: The Government of Canada says there were 4,394 suicide deaths in Canada in 2024. Saskatchewan had 204 deaths by suicide that year.
