In Crisis or concerned for someone? Call or Text 9-8-8. Kids Help Phone call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT. Indigenous Peoples call 1-855-242-3310. The National Farmer Crisis Line 1-866-FARMS01.If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.
2025 Annual National Suicide Prevention Conference template
35th Annual National Suicide Prevention Conference
Lean In and Listen
Hosted by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP), this conference provides a forum for diverse perspectives including researchers, front-line clinicians, individuals with lived experience, First People’s teachings, and sector professionals from across the country.
With this year’s theme, ‘Lean In and Listen,’ we strive to foster conversations that enhance understanding, inspire transformative change, and advocate for inclusive, evidence-based practices.
Called ‘The Man on a Mission’ by the Chicago Tribune, Mike Shoreman knows what it means to fall off the horse or paddleboard and climb back up again. Diagnosed with a neurological disorder in 2018, this professional coach and adventurer lost his mobility, parts of his hearing and vision, resulting in a mental health breakdown. After turning his pain into purpose and undergoing strenuous rehab, Mike became the first person to paddleboard across each of the 5 Great Lakes, raising critical awareness for mental health. Deeply dedicated to advancing the conversation in mental wellness and disability education, Mike’s Great Lakes campaign has inspired thousands from coast to coast, with his efforts being recognized by the Ontario Legislative Assembly, the House of Commons and the Prime Minister. The 2023 documentary ‘When Hope Breaks Through,’ directed by Matthew Wagner has been honoured with the Best Documentary award at the Montreal International Film Festival and is available on Survivor Net TV and PBS. LEARN MORE
Dr. Mark Sinyor
Dr. Mark Sinyor is Psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. He is regional coordinator for America’s region for the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s Partnerships for Life initiative. He has published more than 100 scientific papers on suicide and has a focus on safe public messaging. He is lead author of the Canadian Psychiatric Association recommendations for responsible media reporting about suicide. He has developed a curriculum for middle schoolers teaching distress tolerance using the Harry Potter novels which has been used by thousands of young people in Canada.
Brandon Laur
Brandon is the CEO of The White Hatter, where he specializes in crafting digital literacy workshops tailored for a diverse audience, including students, parents, educators, and business professionals. His primary focus revolves around promoting internet safety and privacy, with a genuine commitment to making digital experiences safer. His expertise encompasses Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), supported by a Master’s degree in professional communication, with research centered on hackers, scammers, and teenage sexting behaviors and associated challenges. Leveraging his research background, Brandon specializes in the study of hackers and scammers, analyzing their methods for manipulating consumers into vulnerable situations. Recently, his research focus shifted towards exploring teenage sexting behavior, its associated risks, and influential factors. He has received the BC Medal of Good Citizenship, an Emerging Businessperson of the Year award, and the Social Innovations Youth Award.
Dr. Albert Marshall
Dr. Albert Marshall is a venerated Elder from the Moose Clan of the Mi’kmaw Nation; he lives in the community of Eskasoni in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Albert is a co-creator of the influential Etuaptumk/Two-Eyed seeing guiding principle, which serves to weave together traditional Indigenous ways of knowing with other systems of thought, for the benefit of all. Albert is a fluent speaker of the Mi’kmaw language, a passionate advocate of cross-cultural understandings and healing, and of human responsibilities to care for all creatures and our Earth Mother. He is also the “designated voice” for Mi’kmaw Elders of Unama’ki with respect to environmental issues. Albert has been honoured with several awards, including honorary doctoral degrees, diplomas, the Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award, and earlier this year, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his tireless preserving, strengthening, and sharing Mi’kmaq culture, values, and concepts.
This year’s conference theme is “Inspiring Hope Together” and will include plenary and breakout sessions covering five streams.
Indigenous/Life Promotion – for example: life promotion, innovative programming, Indigenous groups globally, ‘hope, healing and ceremony’, Truth & Reconciliation.
People with Lived Experience – for example: prevention, intervention, postvention, suicide bereavement, traumatic bereavement, prolonged grief disorder.
Populations – for example: LGBTQ2S+, BIPOC, men, post-secondary students, seniors, people with disabilities, intersectional programming, people living with mental illness, immigrants/refugees/newcomers.
Occupations – for example: first responders, hospitality industry, farmers, healthcare professionals, military/veterans, construction workers, legal professionals.
Research & Trends – for example: global trends, best practices / evidence-based practices, innovation, trauma informed practice, intersectional programming, medical assistance in dying for mental illness, DSM-6, ethics, means restriction, national and provincial strategies.
May 28, 2024 Pre-Conference Healing Day Workshops & Events (Further Details)
The agenda is subject to change. We will be using an online platform called Whova and any changes will be reflected in the Whova application and it will supersede the information in the program pdf.
After downloading, you will be asked to enter an event invitation code. This code was emailed to all registrants. Please check your junk folder if you do not find it in your inbox. If the buyer of your ticket used their email address instead of yours, please refer to them for the code.
Please note: The name and information you enter into Whova will be visible to other attendees, however, your email address will never be visible. You have the ability to edit your personal information.
Already used the Whova app in the past? Double-check that it is installed on your phone, and log in using your existing account email and password.
If you need more guidance on how to use Whova to attend the event, please visit Whova User Guides.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Spaces are limited. Avoid disappointment and register today!
Please note that the conference will be conducted in English and there will not be any translation services available.
Registration prices do not include the cost of transportation and accommodations.
Registration prices include:
Light morning refreshments Wednesday-Friday.
Light refreshments during breaks Wednesday-Friday.
Lunch on Wednesday and Thursday.
Welcome reception on Wednesday from 5:00pm – 7:00pm with light refreshments.
Canadian Suicide Prevention Coordinators Network (CSPCN) networking session during lunch on Thursday.
2025Conference 3-Day Registration Early Bird until March 26, 2025 = $699.00 CAD plus $46.79 processing fee. Regular Price as of March 27, 2025 = $849.00 CAD plus $56.53 processing fees. On-Site May 14, 2025 = $999.00 CAD plus $66.28 processing fees.
Ticket sales are now CLOSED. No refunds after May 15, 2024 but you can edit and transfer your registration to another person.
HEALING DAY – TUESDAY MAY 28, 2024 (PRE-CONFERENCE)
Healing Day is for anyone with experiences of suicide thoughts, behaviours or loss. If you are a person with lived experience, a family member, a friend, a clinician, a caregiver or a researcher impacted by suicide, we welcome you to join us for a day of reflection, hope and healing. This pre-conference day provides attendees with experiential workshops and sessions that offer new tools and resources to support our unique healing journeys.
We recommend booking your accommodations prior to buying your registration since tickets are not fully refundable and the hotels could be fully booked – please read our registration/ticket refund policy.
The conference is taking place at Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront at 1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3T3. This hotel’s discounted rate is now fully booked but there are numerous hotels in the area.
Parking
Underground parking is available at the venue. For guests staying at the hotel, register your vehicle at the time of check-in to receive hotel rates. $7.50 CAD hourly or $37.76 CAD per night with in-out privileges (when you register your vehicle at the time of check-in).
All parking rates are subject to applicable taxes. Maximum height clearance of 6’0 feet, no hotel parking for vehicles over 6’0 feet in height. Parking rates are subject to change without notice.
Other Information
This conference is not accredited and does not qualify for continuing education credits.
Thank you to everyone who made the National Suicide Prevention Conference possible. Your participation is invaluable, and we want to extend our reach. By sharing your experiences and insights on social media, you can help us spread the message of hope and support even further. To make it easy to share, we’ve created a social media toolkit that includes ready-made graphics and suggested posts. Feel free to personalize the posts with your own stories and experiences. Use the hashtags #InspiringHopeTogether and #SuicidePrevention to connect with others. Let’s inspire hope together and make a collective impact! Read the full toolkit.
35th Annual National Suicide Prevention Conference
Lean In and Listen
Hosted by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP), this conference provides a forum for diverse perspectives including researchers, front-line clinicians, individuals with lived experience, First People’s teachings, and sector professionals from across the country.
With this year’s theme, ‘Lean In and Listen,’ we strive to foster conversations that enhance understanding, inspire transformative change, and advocate for inclusive, evidence-based practices.
Inspiring Hope Ally
Inspiring Hope Supporter
Keynote Speakers
Mike Shoreman
Called ‘The Man on a Mission’ by the Chicago Tribune, Mike Shoreman knows what it means to fall off the horse or paddleboard and climb back up again. Diagnosed with a neurological disorder in 2018, this professional coach and adventurer lost his mobility, parts of his hearing and vision, resulting in a mental health breakdown. After turning his pain into purpose and undergoing strenuous rehab, Mike became the first person to paddleboard across each of the 5 Great Lakes, raising critical awareness for mental health. Deeply dedicated to advancing the conversation in mental wellness and disability education, Mike’s Great Lakes campaign has inspired thousands from coast to coast, with his efforts being recognized by the Ontario Legislative Assembly, the House of Commons and the Prime Minister. The 2023 documentary ‘When Hope Breaks Through,’ directed by Matthew Wagner has been honoured with the Best Documentary award at the Montreal International Film Festival and is available on Survivor Net TV and PBS. LEARN MORE
Dr. Mark Sinyor
Dr. Mark Sinyor is Psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. He is regional coordinator for America’s region for the International Association for Suicide Prevention’s Partnerships for Life initiative. He has published more than 100 scientific papers on suicide and has a focus on safe public messaging. He is lead author of the Canadian Psychiatric Association recommendations for responsible media reporting about suicide. He has developed a curriculum for middle schoolers teaching distress tolerance using the Harry Potter novels which has been used by thousands of young people in Canada.
Brandon Laur
Brandon is the CEO of The White Hatter, where he specializes in crafting digital literacy workshops tailored for a diverse audience, including students, parents, educators, and business professionals. His primary focus revolves around promoting internet safety and privacy, with a genuine commitment to making digital experiences safer. His expertise encompasses Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), supported by a Master’s degree in professional communication, with research centered on hackers, scammers, and teenage sexting behaviors and associated challenges. Leveraging his research background, Brandon specializes in the study of hackers and scammers, analyzing their methods for manipulating consumers into vulnerable situations. Recently, his research focus shifted towards exploring teenage sexting behavior, its associated risks, and influential factors. He has received the BC Medal of Good Citizenship, an Emerging Businessperson of the Year award, and the Social Innovations Youth Award.
Dr. Albert Marshall
Dr. Albert Marshall is a venerated Elder from the Moose Clan of the Mi’kmaw Nation; he lives in the community of Eskasoni in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Albert is a co-creator of the influential Etuaptumk/Two-Eyed seeing guiding principle, which serves to weave together traditional Indigenous ways of knowing with other systems of thought, for the benefit of all. Albert is a fluent speaker of the Mi’kmaw language, a passionate advocate of cross-cultural understandings and healing, and of human responsibilities to care for all creatures and our Earth Mother. He is also the “designated voice” for Mi’kmaw Elders of Unama’ki with respect to environmental issues. Albert has been honoured with several awards, including honorary doctoral degrees, diplomas, the Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award, and earlier this year, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his tireless preserving, strengthening, and sharing Mi’kmaq culture, values, and concepts.
Program Information
Venue Location: Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver, BC 1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3T3
This year’s conference theme is “Inspiring Hope Together” and will include plenary and breakout sessions covering five streams.
Indigenous/Life Promotion – for example: life promotion, innovative programming, Indigenous groups globally, ‘hope, healing and ceremony’, Truth & Reconciliation.
People with Lived Experience – for example: prevention, intervention, postvention, suicide bereavement, traumatic bereavement, prolonged grief disorder.
Populations – for example: LGBTQ2S+, BIPOC, men, post-secondary students, seniors, people with disabilities, intersectional programming, people living with mental illness, immigrants/refugees/newcomers.
Occupations – for example: first responders, hospitality industry, farmers, healthcare professionals, military/veterans, construction workers, legal professionals.
Research & Trends – for example: global trends, best practices / evidence-based practices, innovation, trauma informed practice, intersectional programming, medical assistance in dying for mental illness, DSM-6, ethics, means restriction, national and provincial strategies.
May 28, 2024 Pre-Conference Healing Day Workshops & Events (Further Details)
May 29, 2024
9:00am-5:00pm: Plenary, Keynote Speakers, & Breakout Sessions
5:00pm-7:00pm: Welcome Reception
May 30, 2024
9:00am-5:00pm: Plenary, Keynote Speaker & Breakout Sessions
May 31, 2024
9:00am-1:00pm: Breakout Sessions, Closing Plenary & Keynote Speaker
Read the full program with all presentations and workshops:
The agenda is subject to change. We will be using an online platform called Whova and any changes will be reflected in the Whova application and it will supersede the information in the program pdf.
You can Download the Whova app to access the event to:
After downloading, you will be asked to enter an event invitation code. This code was emailed to all registrants. Please check your junk folder if you do not find it in your inbox. If the buyer of your ticket used their email address instead of yours, please refer to them for the code.
Please note: The name and information you enter into Whova will be visible to other attendees, however, your email address will never be visible. You have the ability to edit your personal information.
DOWNLOAD APP
Already used the Whova app in the past? Double-check that it is installed on your phone, and log in using your existing account email and password.
If you need more guidance on how to use Whova to attend the event, please visit Whova User Guides.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Spaces are limited. Avoid disappointment and register today!
Please note that the conference will be conducted in English and there will not be any translation services available.
Registration prices do not include the cost of transportation and accommodations.
Registration prices include:
2025 Conference 3-Day Registration
Early Bird until March 26, 2025 = $699.00 CAD plus $46.79 processing fee.
Regular Price as of March 27, 2025 = $849.00 CAD plus $56.53 processing fees.
On-Site May 14, 2025 = $999.00 CAD plus $66.28 processing fees.
Ticket sales are now CLOSED. No refunds after May 15, 2024 but you can edit and transfer your registration to another person.
HEALING DAY – TUESDAY MAY 28, 2024 (PRE-CONFERENCE)
Healing Day is for anyone with experiences of suicide thoughts, behaviours or loss. If you are a person with lived experience, a family member, a friend, a clinician, a caregiver or a researcher impacted by suicide, we welcome you to join us for a day of reflection, hope and healing. This pre-conference day provides attendees with experiential workshops and sessions that offer new tools and resources to support our unique healing journeys.
Healing Day Location: Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, Vancouver, BC 1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3T3
Tuesday May 28, 2024 from 9:00am-4:00pm (registration includes; continental breakfast, lunch, snacks during breaks, coffee, tea, and water).
Optional: 7:00pm-Finish: Sharing Circle with light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. (For Healing Day participants only).
Hotel Accommodations
We recommend booking your accommodations prior to buying your registration since tickets are not fully refundable and the hotels could be fully booked – please read our registration/ticket refund policy.
The conference is taking place at Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront at 1133 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 3T3. This hotel’s discounted rate is now fully booked but there are numerous hotels in the area.
Parking
Underground parking is available at the venue. For guests staying at the hotel, register your vehicle at the time of check-in to receive hotel rates. $7.50 CAD hourly or $37.76 CAD per night with in-out privileges (when you register your vehicle at the time of check-in).
Unregistered vehicles are subject to regular hourly parking rates with no in-and-out privileges. Click here for PUBLIC parking rates.
All parking rates are subject to applicable taxes. Maximum height clearance of 6’0 feet, no hotel parking for vehicles over 6’0 feet in height. Parking rates are subject to change without notice.
Other Information
Social Media Toolkit
Thank you to everyone who made the National Suicide Prevention Conference possible. Your participation is invaluable, and we want to extend our reach. By sharing your experiences and insights on social media, you can help us spread the message of hope and support even further. To make it easy to share, we’ve created a social media toolkit that includes ready-made graphics and suggested posts. Feel free to personalize the posts with your own stories and experiences. Use the hashtags #InspiringHopeTogether and #SuicidePrevention to connect with others. Let’s inspire hope together and make a collective impact! Read the full toolkit.
Resources
Suicide Prevention Flyer and Tear Sheet
Printable pdf to promote suicide prevention and bereavement resources.
Suicide Bereavement Support Groups: Guide
Best practices for facilitating safe and effective suicide bereavement support groups.
After a Suicide Attempt – A Guide for Family and Friends
A Guide for Family and Friends
Trauma-informed Care and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that asks: “What happened to you?”
Toolkit for People Impacted by a Suicide Attempt
Tools. strategies, and resources to help cope with thoughts of suicide
Suicide Risk Assessment Kit
A high-level overview of what to consider when using suicide risk assessment tools
Toolkit for People Impacted by a Suicide Loss
A summary of tools and supports to help cope with suicide loss
Together to Live
This is a guide to preventing suicide in your community. The guide will walk you through creating a community suicide prevention plan.
The Promoting Life Together Collaborative
Sharing the Story of the Promoting Life Together Collaborative
Suicide is Everyone’s Business
The four steps in Suicide Prevention and universal responsibilities of the community, healthcare, and government.
Supporting Children and Youth to Grieve After Suicide Loss
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children and youth
Talking to Children About A Suicide
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12
Bullying and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Types of bullying and how to help
Vocabulary – How to Talk about Suicide
Engage in dialogue with compassion and curiosity that can promote understanding and connection
Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
You Can Help With Suicide Prevention
Nine things you can do to help
CASP Urges Canadian Government to Ensure all Indigenous Peoples Have Human Rights Met
CASP calls upon the Government of Canada to act on their pledge
Related Information
Lean in and Listen
Ribbons
Trauma-informed Care and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Bullying and Suicide – Fact Sheet
Injury Prevention and Suicide – Fact Sheet
After a Suicide Attempt – A Guide for Family and Friends
Ways to Donate
Support for People Living with Loss
I Survived a Suicide Attempt
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Resources
Partner Resources
Media
Life Promotion
I’m Having Thoughts of Suicide
Host An Event
Articles
Advocacy
Why Do People Die by Suicide?
Considerations for Online Support Groups
Promoting Hope and Resiliency is Central to Suicide Prevention
Having Hope
How To Handle Distress Calls At Work
CASP Strongly Believes Canada Needs A National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Forests of Hope – New Program
CASP Issues Statement About MAiD for Mental Illness
Events