Suicide is the third leading cause of death in Canada ahead of HIV/AIDS, diabetes and car accidents. It is also a prevalent problem within Aboriginal communities. With World Suicide Prevention Day approaching on September 10, 2006, two experts from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) are available to comment on the health challenges posed by suicide, its causes and possible prevention strategies.

"One important factor that predisposes individuals to commit suicide is mental illness," says Dr. Rémi Quirion, based in Montreal, and Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (CIHR-INMHA). "Of the many mental disorders associated with suicidal behaviour, depression is the most common. Two-thirds of those who die as a result of suicide have some form of depression."

"In Canada, suicide rates in the Aboriginal population are significantly higher than the non-Aboriginal rates. Among First Nations youth, this rate is estimated to be five to six times higher," explains Dr. Jeff Reading, based in Victoria, and Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (CIHR-IAPH). "Suicide in Aboriginal communities is a sensitive issue. We have known for some time now that First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities need to be involved in determining the most effective interventions needed to address specific health needs."