988
Mental Health Crisis · Canada
988 is the Canada Mental Health Crisis emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Public Health Agency of Canada. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 988 — Mental Health Crisis in Canada
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Canada
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 988
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent police matters - use local non-emergency numbers
- • Do not call 911 for power outages - contact your local hydro company
- • Do not call 911 for minor injuries - visit a walk-in clinic or family doctor
- • Do not make prank or test calls to 911 - it is a criminal offence
- • Do not call 911 for road conditions or weather - use provincial 511 services
- • Do not call 911 for poison information unless life-threatening - call your provincial poison centre
✈️ Travel Notes — Canada
Emergency response is excellent in urban and suburban areas. Response times in remote northern communities, rural areas, and wilderness regions may be significantly delayed. Air ambulance services (Ornge, STARS, etc.) operate for critical cases. Medical care is world-class but ambulance services may charge fees; travel insurance is recommended.
🛡️ Traveling to Canada? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 988 in Canada?
988 is the official Suicide Crisis Helpline emergency number in Canada. This number is operated by Public Health Agency of Canada and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 988 is the national suicide crisis helpline. Available 24/7 in English and French. Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support.
When to Call 988
Call 988 immediately in situations involving mental health crisis-related emergencies in Canada. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 988 in Canada
Here are the key technical facts about calling 988 in Canada:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Public Health Agency of Canada
How to Call 988 from Abroad
If you are calling 988 from outside Canada, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +1 followed by 988 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Canada, simply dialing 988 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Suicide Crisis Helpline. The universal number 112 is also active across Canada and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Canada
Besides 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), Canada has the following emergency services available: National Emergency Number: 911 · Police Emergency: 911 · Emergency Medical Services: 911 · Fire and Rescue Service: 911 · Poison Control Centres: 1-844-POISON-X (varies by province) · Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988. Save all these numbers before traveling to Canada.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 988 is listed as the Suicide Crisis Helpline emergency line for Canada based on data from Public Health Agency of Canada. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 988 (Canada)
What is 988 in Canada? ▼
988 is the Suicide Crisis Helpline emergency number in Canada. 988 is the national suicide crisis helpline. Available 24/7 in English and French. Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support.
Can I call 988 without a SIM card in Canada? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 988 free in Canada? ▼
Yes, calling 988 is completely free in Canada. No airtime credit needed.
Does 988 work from mobile in Canada? ▼
Yes, 988 works from all mobile phones in Canada.
Who do I reach when I call 988 in Canada? ▼
Calling 988 in Canada connects you to Suicide Crisis Helpline (Public Health Agency of Canada), available 24/7.
What is the source for 988 being the Mental Health Crisis number in Canada? ▼
Verified from Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html. Last verified: 2026-01.
Does 911 work everywhere in Canada? ▼
911 is available in most populated areas. Very remote northern communities and wilderness areas may not have 911 service. In some remote areas, local emergency numbers are used.
Can I call 911 from a mobile without a SIM card in Canada? ▼
Yes. All mobile phones can dial 911 without a SIM card and without airtime. This is a regulatory requirement in Canada.
Are emergency calls free in Canada? ▼
Yes. 911 calls are free from any phone. Ambulance transport may incur charges depending on the province.
Can deaf or hearing-impaired users contact 911 in Canada? ▼
Yes. Text with 911 (T911) is available in many areas for pre-registered users. TTY calls to 911 are accepted. Video relay services are also available.
What is the mental health crisis number in Canada? ▼
988 is the national suicide crisis helpline available 24/7. Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support in English or French.
Are 911 operators bilingual in Canada? ▼
911 services are required to be available in both English and French. In practice, bilingual service varies by region. Interpretation services for other languages can be requested.