PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday June 2, 2025 – The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is pleased to welcome
Andrew Perez as CASP’s Interim Executive Director effective June 2, 2025.
Andrew (he/him) steps into this role with a deep commitment to suicide prevention. As a former member
and Vice President of CASP’s Board of Directors (2022–2025), he brings not only a strong understanding of
the organization’s mission and strategic priorities, but a demonstrated passion for advancing life promotion
across Canada.
Andrew is a public affairs strategist, entrepreneur, political commentator, and writer with over a decade of
experience supporting nonprofit organizations, public institutions, and leaders in shaping effective
communications, media relations, and advocacy strategies. Most recently leading his own firm, Perez
Strategies, advising clients across the non-profit and private sectors.
He has previously held roles with government and opposition MPs in Ottawa, worked in the Premier’s Office
in Ontario, and completed internships at Queen’s Park and on Capitol Hill–bringing valuable policy and
governance insight to his work with CASP. Andrew is also a nationally recognized media voice. His
commentary and writing have appeared in leading Canadian outlets, and he is regularly featured on CBC
News, CTV News, and BNN Bloomberg. His work has been cited in national and international media.
Grounded in community, Andrew serves as President of the Board at Fife House, a Toronto-based supportive
housing agency for people and families living with HIV/AIDS. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton
University, a Master of Public Policy from the University of Toronto, and a certificate in public relations from
U of T’s School of Continuing Studies, where he teaches digital communications strategy.
“At this important moment of transition, the Board has full confidence in Andrew’s ability to guide CASP with
clarity, care, and accountability,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos, President of the CASP Board of Directors. “Andrew
is deeply committed to CASP’s mission and brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership. His
focus over the coming months will be to support organizational stability, nurture strong internal
communication, and maintain CASP’s national presence as a leading voice in suicide prevention.”
In this interim capacity, Andrew will focus on growing CASP’s public communications, advocacy, fundraising,
and partnerships. He is committed to equity-informed leadership and meaningful engagement across CASP’s
national network as the organization continues to advance life-saving work.
It’s an honour to step into this role at such a critical time for suicide prevention in Canada,” said Andrew
Perez. “CASP’s mission is one I care deeply about, and I’m committed to working alongside our staff, board,
and partners- including those with lived experience – to strengthen our collective efforts and sustain this
essential work.”
Welcome, Andrew
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday June 2, 2025 – The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) is pleased to welcome
Andrew Perez as CASP’s Interim Executive Director effective June 2, 2025.
Andrew (he/him) steps into this role with a deep commitment to suicide prevention. As a former member
and Vice President of CASP’s Board of Directors (2022–2025), he brings not only a strong understanding of
the organization’s mission and strategic priorities, but a demonstrated passion for advancing life promotion
across Canada.
Andrew is a public affairs strategist, entrepreneur, political commentator, and writer with over a decade of
experience supporting nonprofit organizations, public institutions, and leaders in shaping effective
communications, media relations, and advocacy strategies. Most recently leading his own firm, Perez
Strategies, advising clients across the non-profit and private sectors.
He has previously held roles with government and opposition MPs in Ottawa, worked in the Premier’s Office
in Ontario, and completed internships at Queen’s Park and on Capitol Hill–bringing valuable policy and
governance insight to his work with CASP. Andrew is also a nationally recognized media voice. His
commentary and writing have appeared in leading Canadian outlets, and he is regularly featured on CBC
News, CTV News, and BNN Bloomberg. His work has been cited in national and international media.
Grounded in community, Andrew serves as President of the Board at Fife House, a Toronto-based supportive
housing agency for people and families living with HIV/AIDS. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton
University, a Master of Public Policy from the University of Toronto, and a certificate in public relations from
U of T’s School of Continuing Studies, where he teaches digital communications strategy.
“At this important moment of transition, the Board has full confidence in Andrew’s ability to guide CASP with
clarity, care, and accountability,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos, President of the CASP Board of Directors. “Andrew
is deeply committed to CASP’s mission and brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership. His
focus over the coming months will be to support organizational stability, nurture strong internal
communication, and maintain CASP’s national presence as a leading voice in suicide prevention.”
In this interim capacity, Andrew will focus on growing CASP’s public communications, advocacy, fundraising,
and partnerships. He is committed to equity-informed leadership and meaningful engagement across CASP’s
national network as the organization continues to advance life-saving work.
It’s an honour to step into this role at such a critical time for suicide prevention in Canada,” said Andrew
Perez. “CASP’s mission is one I care deeply about, and I’m committed to working alongside our staff, board,
and partners- including those with lived experience – to strengthen our collective efforts and sustain this
essential work.”
Welcome, Andrew
Resources
Vocabulary – How to Talk about Suicide
Engage in dialogue with compassion and curiosity that can promote understanding and connection
You Can Help With Suicide Prevention
Nine things you can do to help
Suicide worldwide in 2019 – Global Health Estimates
Suicide worldwide in 2019 - Global Health Estimates
Statistics – Suicide in Canada Infographic
Public Health Agency of Canada analysis of Statistics Canada Vital Statistics Death Database and Canadian Institute for Health Information Hospital Morbidity Database
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
Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
Guidelines for Sharing Experiences with Suicide
These guidelines encourage public sharing of experiences that will be safe for everyone to hear
Talking to Children About A Suicide
This guide is designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 12
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
Guide for Social Media Professionals
Taking action on social media to prevent suicide
Suicide Prevention & Life Promotion Initiatives
CASP has put together a resource list of Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion initiatives across...
Suicide Prevention Flyer and Tear Sheet
Printable pdf to promote suicide prevention and bereavement resources.
Related Information
How To Handle Distress Calls At Work
Take Action! Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Bill C-314
Forests of Hope – New Program
CASP Issues Statement About MAiD for Mental Illness
Lean in and Listen
Satnam Singh, Suicide Prevention Advocate
World Suicide Prevention Day Banners & Toolkit