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The Speaker of the House of Commons has agreed to hold an emergency debate on the suicide crisis in Attawapiskat First Nation.

The debate, requested by NDP indigenous affairs critic Charlie Angus, is scheduled to take place today at 6 p.m. ET.

Angus, who also represents the riding encompassing the troubled community, says Canadians living in the south would not tolerate the lack of mental-health care provided to indigenous children.

Attawapiskat’s chief and eight councillors declared a state of emergency Saturday, citing some 11 suicide attempts so far in the month of April and 28 recorded attempts in March.
Health Minister Jane Philpott says five mental health workers have arrived in the community of about 2,000 people.

Aboriginal leaders are also
scheduled to address the Commons indigenous affairs committee Thursday after northern Ontario First Nations communities declared a public health emergency earlier this year.