Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day said the immediate $69 million dollars in funding for health issues in remote northern communities is a significant step forward to suicide prevention and life promotion for youth in First Nations communities.

Day said while he was pleased with the investment, nearly double that amount is required to address the health issues in the north; including services to help those overcoming addictions and support for residential school survivors.

Day said the national crisis will not be solved with half measures and called on the provinces and territories full involvement to implement long term strategies that will restore hope for far too many youth and elders who believe ending their lives is the only escape from despair.