Changes in Suicide Methods in Quebec Between 1987 and 2000: the Possible Impact of Bill C-17 Requiring Safe Storage of Firearms

This study presents the changes in the overall & firearm suicide rates for Quebec before & after Bill C-17, which was implemented to secure safe storage of firearms. It covers 20,009 suicide cases reported to the coroner’s office. Firearm suicide rates dropped among males & females, but the downward trends were not significant when compared to those prior to the law. The decline in suicide rates involving firearms have not resulted in a parallel decline in overall suicide rates. The analyses suggest Bill C-17 neither improved the downward trend in firearm suicide, which had already begun before the enactment of the law, nor reduced the upward trend of the overall suicide rate. (46 refs.)