A new three-digit number, 9-8-8, will be implemented on November 30th, 2023 for mental health and suicide prevention services. You will be able to call or text 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada for free. You will be directed to the appropriate mental health crisis or suicide prevention service in your area.

Our role in establishing 3-digit numbers like 9-8-8 is to administer phone numbers and require phone and wireless companies who direct calls to call centres to implement it across Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada is responsible for providing the mental health crisis or suicide prevention service that is reached when Canadians dial or text 9-8-8. We regulate the phone and cell companies who direct and connect calls for police, fire and medical emergencies.

Transition to 10-digit local dialing

In order for 9-8-8 to work across Canada, 10-digit dialing must first be introduced in areas where 7-digit dialing is still the norm. This includes Newfoundland and Labrador, northern Ontario and the Yellowknife area. By May 31, 2023, these areas will have transition to 10-digit local dialing. This transition will ensure 9-8-8 is available from coast to coast at the same time.

Get help

While 9-8-8 is not yet available in Canada, help is still available.

Anywhere in Canada:

• Call: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
• Text:
  • Adults can text: 741741
  • Youth can text: 686868
• Text Talk Suicide Canada: 45645 (4 PM – 12 AM EST)

Quebec residents can also:

• Call: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
• Text: 1-855-957-5353

Released by Government of Canada