Suicide report shows frightening numbers

There have been 79 suicides in Nunavut since April 1, 1999, according to a report tabled in the legislative assembly on the last day of sitting.

“Nunavut has one of the highest rates of suicide in North America,” the one-page document says. “With a population of approximately 25,000 people, Nunavut has a suicide rate 6.8 times the national average.”

The report was tabled by Amittuq MLA Enoki Irqittuq, who had requested the information from Premier Paul Okalik, the minister of justice.

Canada has a suicide rate of 13 per 100,000 people. A comparable number for Nunavut was determined by taking the number of suicides from April 1, 1999, to March 31, 2000, and multiplying by four to account for the territory’s small population.

This gives Nunavut a suicide rate of 88 per 100,000 people.

Men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 accounted for 61 per cent of the suicides in Nunavut. Men in that age range make up the highest risk group, with 74 per cent of completed suicides.

Iqaluit had the greatest number of suicides — 19 between April 1, 1999, and May 15, 2000.

An analysis of the data shows there are two predominant methods of suicide used in the territory. Hangings account for 77 per cent of the deaths, while firearms account for 23 per cent.

“The ethnic background of the recorded suicide victims is overwhelmingly Inuit (97 per cent),” the report said.