Overdose Crisis

• Opioid-related deaths fell 23% last year, feds say, but ‘crisis is complex’

  Federal health officials say the decline in the national rate of toxicity deaths was due to several factors, including naloxone distribution and changes to the drug supply.

  Health

  Jun 15
  
• Saskatoon complex needs facility provides alternative to police cells, ERs for people at risk

  The provincial government says its complex needs shelter in Saskatoon was designed to provide a medically supervised and secure place where police may bring individuals.

  Health

  Jun 4
  
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• Opioid deaths in Canada fell 17% but 20 people still died per day in 2024

  The data for 2024 released Wednesday by the Public Health Agency of Canada showed 7,146 deaths were recorded last year, 80 per cent of which were in just three provinces.

  Health

  Jun 25, 2025
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• Protests, marches and memories: B.C.’s toxic drug crisis emergency marks 9 years

  B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued a joint statement marking the sombre anniversary.

  Health

  Apr 14, 2025
• Saskatoon Public Library adding more security

  After shutting down for a few weeks in response to the overdose crisis, two Saskatoon libraries are set to reopen soon after a complete refresh.

  Health

  Apr 11, 2025
• Saskatoon’s Broadway BID addresses overdose crisis with free naloxone training

  As Saskatoon continues to struggle through an overdose crisis, the Broadway Business Improvement District is offering tools to help those in the community stay safe.

  Health

  Apr 3, 2025
• 2 overdose deaths in Montreal lead to call for action among Indigenous community

  Two deaths on the streets of Montreal have advocates calling attention to the overdose crisis and are also raising questions about the need for more resources in the community.

  Canada

  Nov 5, 2024
• More females are dying of toxic drugs in B.C. as latest numbers released

  Illicit drug deaths are down slightly in British Columbia from the same period last year, but the coroners service says females are dying at a much higher rate.

  Health

  Oct 24, 2024
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• B.C. toxic drug deaths down 9% so far in 2024

  B.C.'s Coroners Service says the number of people who have died this year from toxic drug poisoning is down from 2023, but an around six people are still dying every day.

  Health

  Jul 30, 2024
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• Death of 18-year-old UVic student from fentanyl prompts B.C. government to act

  Sidney McIntyre-Starko's mother is calling for CPR and Naloxone training to be mandatory in high schools and for nasal naloxone kits to be widely available in schools.

  Health

  May 20, 2024