Nunavut coroner calls inquiry after record suicide numbers

IQALUIT, Nunavut – Nunavut’s chief coroner is calling a special inquiry in response to a record number of suicides in the territory last year.

Padma Suramala (soor-ah-MAHL’-ah) says 45 people killed themselves in 2013.

That makes Nunavut’s suicide rate 13 1/2 times higher than the national average — a figure she calls terribly disheartening.

The problem has already been the subject of studies, conferences and government initiatives.

Suramala says a coroner’s inquiry could result in better counselling services in Nunavut’s widely dispersed communities.

She says the inquiry is to be held in the territorial capital of Nunavut next fall.