Toxic Drug Crisis

• B.C. First Nation declares local state of emergency due to deaths from toxic drugs

  The Tŝilhqot’in National Government declared an emergency for all six Tŝilhqot’in communities, which provided the Nation the opportunity to access additional government support.

  Health

  Apr 13
  
• Alberta proposes new mental health and addiction agency as toxic drug deaths reach historic high

  More than 1,700 people died from toxic drugs between January and November last year, making it the worst year since the province's substance use surveillance system was created.

  Health

  Apr 2
  
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• More than 2,500 people died of toxic drugs in B.C. in 2023, driven by fentanyl

  Unless British Columbia meaningfully expands its safer supply model, it will continue to "count the dead" from toxic unregulated drugs, said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe.

  Health

  Jan 24
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• B.C. study finds users who are prescribed opioids are less likely to die the next week

  In addition to finding those with the prescription were less likely to die, researchers found they were also 55-per cent less likely to overdose the week after having it filled.

  Health

  Jan 11
• Friends mourn death of 18-year-old Calgary woman who starred in film about Indigenous women

  Friends and family mourn death of 18-year-old Calgary woman who stared in film about missing and murdered Indigenous women

  Canada

  Dec 16, 2023
• More than 2,000 people in B.C. have died from toxic drugs for the 3rd year in a row

  A statement from the BC Coroners Service says in October alone 189 people died from overdoses, which is more than six deaths a day.

  Health

  Nov 30, 2023
• B.C.’s proposed class-action lawsuit against opioid makers, marketers takes next step

  The lawsuit aims to hold more than 40 multinational pharmaceutical companies accountable for allegedly using 'deceptive marketing tactics,' B.C.'s attorney general said.

  Health

  Nov 27, 2023
• Increased safer supply fastest way to reduce toxic drug deaths: B.C. expert panel

  The panel determined prescription-free, quality-controlled drugs is the most viable, scalable short-term option to save lives in B.C.'s toxic drug crisis.

  Health

  Nov 1, 2023
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• B.C. lost 174 people to toxic drugs in August, 2023 death toll tops 1,600

  Last month's death toll is the lowest monthly number recorded since June of last year, equating to about 5.6 lives lost per day, the B.C. Coroners Service reported Monday.

  Health

  Sep 25, 2023
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• B.C. local governments to ask province for more support over drug decriminalization

  Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry spoke to local leaders at the convention this week asking for patience with the decriminalization program.

  Politics

  Sep 20, 2023