Between 2000 and 2023, suicide (classified as intentional self-harm) remained a consistent but gradually declining contributor to overall deaths in Canada. In 2000, there were 3,606 suicide-related deaths, accounting for 1.7% of total deaths. This figure increased modestly over the next decade, peaking in 2018 at 4,594 deaths. However, since 2020, the trend has shifted downward, with suicide deaths falling to 3,811 in 2023—just 1.2% of all deaths.
The percentage of deaths due to suicide remained steady at around 1.6% for most of the period, before tapering off post-2020. This decline may reflect growing awareness, improved mental health services, or broader demographic shifts.
Key Takeaways:
- Highest number of deaths: 4,594 (2018)
- Lowest recent count: 3,811 (2023)
- Steady decline in percentage of total deaths since 2020
Suicide Trends in Canada (2000–2023)
| Year | Rank of leading causes of death | Number of deaths | Percentage of deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 9 | 3,606 | 1.7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 3,692 | 1.7% |
| 2002 | 9 | 3,650 | 1.6% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3,765 | 1.7% |
| 2004 | 9 | 3,613 | 1.6% |
| 2005 | 9 | 3,743 | 1.6% |
| 2006 | 10 | 3,512 | 1.5% |
| 2007 | 10 | 3,611 | 1.5% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3,705 | 1.6% |
| 2009 | 9 | 3,890 | 1.6% |
| 2010 | 9 | 3,951 | 1.6% |
| 2011 | 9 | 3,896 | 1.6% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3,926 | 1.6% |
| 2013 | 9 | 4,054 | 1.6% |
| 2014 | 9 | 4,254 | 1.6% |
| 2015 | 9 | 4,405 | 1.7% |
| 2016 | 9 | 3,978 | 1.5% |
| 2017 | 9 | 4,472 | 1.6% |
| 2018 | 9 | 4,594 | 1.6% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4,609 | 1.6% |
| 2020 | 10 | 4,283 | 1.4% |
| 2021 | 12 | 3,927 | 1.3% |
| 2022 | 12 | 4,216 | 1.3% |
| 2023 | 12 | 3,811 | 1.2% |
Source:
| Source Name: | Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0394-01 Leading causes of death, total population, by age group |
| Source Link: | https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1310039401 |
| Release Date: | 2025-02-19 |
Recent Comments