MLA asks for suicide data

Amituq MLA Enoki Irqittuq asked Premier Paul Okalik, the minister of justice, to provide data on the number of suicides in Nunavut since division.

“I often talk about the issue of suicide and I keep bringing it up because this sad practice has continued to this day. Could the minister responsible for justice provide us with information from the coroner’s office as to how many suicides have occurred in Nunavut since April 1, 1999, and bring this information to the House and table it for our information?”

Olalik said he would look into the matter.

I know that this is not an easy or pleasant task,” Irqittuq said. “Especially when you see the affected relatives of those who commit suicide. I know that the minister does not like this issue; you can see it in his face.”