Toxic Drug Crisis

• B.C. communities see sudden spike in overdoses and an animal drug may be to blame

  Vancouver fire said due to the exposure to "extreme levels of human suffering", firefighters are limited to 81 shifts at Firehall 2 to try and limit compassion fatigue.

  Health

  Nov 27
  
• Saskatoon’s epidemic of toxic drug overdoses tops 2,100 for 2025

  As fatalities drop due to training and awareness around naloxone, new drugs cut with sedatives like benzos are making it less effective.

  Nov 13
  
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• ‘Overwhelming’: Saskatoon firefighters have gone to 901 drug poisoning calls since January

  Mayor Cynthia Block said Saskatoon needs more housing, including units with supportive services.

  Health

  Apr 20
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• Police in Ontario city taking ‘different course’ to tackle public drug use

  The London Police Service is launching a new strategy to address open-air drug use, pairing up with mental health experts and nurses to patrol and support community.

  Canada

  Apr 8
• Fentanyl shaped like Lego, toys in Campbell River drug bust: B.C. RCMP

  Police in Cambell River, B.C., seized more than 1.6 kilograms of fentanyl. Some had been dyed, flavoured and moulded into dinosaurs, Lego bricks and other shapes. 

  Crime

  Oct 11, 2024
• Toxic drugs blamed for person’s death at supervised consumption site in London, Ont.

  The head of London, Ont.’s supervised consumption site says a recent overdose there is a 'tragic loss' but 'highlights the ongoing risk posed by the increasing toxic drug supply.'

  Health

  Oct 4, 2024
• Counting the cost of British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis

  The toxic drug crisis is one of the most contentious and widely debated issues ahead of British Columbia's provincial election on Oct. 19. 

  Politics

  Sep 28, 2024
• B.C. First Nations declare state of emergency due to toxic drug deaths in communities

  The council is now calling on the provincial and federal governments and health authorities to resource strategies that take swift and meaningful action to combat the drug crisis.

  Health

  Sep 19, 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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• Lack of public data raises questions about private addiction care in Alberta

  Health-care professionals are questioning the efficacy of private mental health and addictions care in Alberta due to the lack of public data.

  Health

  Jul 16, 2024