20.1°C Vancouver

Aug 16, 2022 7:11 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. drug death toll passes 10,000 since declaration of emergency in 2016: coroner

Share On
b-c-drug-death-toll-passes-10-000-since-declaration-of-emergency-in-2016-coroner
British Columbia's chief coroner says the province has lost more than 10,000 lives to illicit drugs since the province declared a public health emergency in April 2016. (Photo - BC Govt.)

British Columbia's chief coroner says the province has lost more than 10,000 lives to illicit drugs since the province declared a public health emergency in April 2016.

Lisa Lapointe says the province is on track to lose another record number of people to the toxic drug supply this year, with the number of deaths in the first half of 2022 surpassing those of the same period in 2021.

New data from the coroner's service says at least 1,095 residents are believed to have died from January to June this year, at an average of six deaths per day.

The report found more than three-quarters of the those who died this year have been male, and most were between the ages of 30 and 59.

The province says illicit drug toxicity is the leading cause of unnatural death in B.C.

In June, Ottawa approved a three-year exception to federal drug laws, and from next year, B.C. will become the first province where people won't be arrested or charged for possessing up to 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs.

Latest news

BCSep 02, 2025

Minister’s statement about returning to school

Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, has issued the following statement about returning to learning: “While I’m sure many students wish summer could be just a little longer, I am thrilled to welcome students and staff to the start of another school year. It is always so exciting on the first day as students and staff walk through the school doors and fill the hallways with excitement, laughter and anticipation – ready to take on the new learning journey in the year ahead. “As minister of education and child care, I’m proud to support the people who make schools strong: e
federal-ndp-launches-leadership-race
CanadaSep 02, 2025

Federal NDP launches leadership race

The federal NDP today officially launched the race to find its next leader. In a news release, the party says there has been strong interest in the contest since Aug. 20, when the application packages were made available. Former leader Jagmeet Singh resigned after he and the party suffered a stunning defeat in April's federal election. Registered party members will vote on Singh's permanent successor at a national convention in March using a ranked ballot, which allows delegates to list candidates in their preferred order. Anyone running for the leadership must obtain at least 10 per cent of t
peter-navarro-objects-to-prime-minister-modis-closeness-to-russian-and-chinese-leaders
WorldSep 02, 2025

Peter Navarro objects to Prime Minister Modi's closeness to Russian and Chinese leaders

US President Donald Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro has objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's closeness to Russian and Chinese leaders. He said that we hope they will understand that they should be with us instead of Russia. Navarro made this comment while accusing India of making profits through oil purchases from Russia, meanwhile Treasury Secretary Scott Besant called the SCO meeting held in China a show. However, he said that the US and India are strong democracies and can resolve differences. It is noteworthy that during the SCO meeting held in China on Monday, Indian Prime Mi
pm-modi-inquires-about-the-flood-situation-in-punjab-from-cm-mann
IndiaSep 02, 2025

PM Modi inquires about the flood situation in Punjab from CM Mann

Amid the devastation caused by floods in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday visited the affected areas of Ferozepur. The Chief Minister boarded a boat to reach the villages along the Sutlej River and interacted with the people to listen to their problems. At the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on the phone as soon as he returned from his foreign tour. He inquired about the situation arising due to rains and floods in Punjab and assured all possible help. 12 districts of Punjab are affected by floods. According to government da
thousands-of-lightning-strikes-during-labour-day-long-weekend
BCSep 02, 2025

Thousands of lightning strikes during Labour Day long weekend

The BC Wildfire Service says there were thousands of lightning strikes during the Labour Day long weekend, meaning more fires are likely to be discovered in the coming days. The agency said there are currently about 165 active wildfires in BC, with about 75 per cent believed to have been started by lightning. The BC Wildfire Service said about 40 per cent of the fires are out of control, while 20 per cent are being controlled, while another 40 per cent have been contained. The agency also warned that the potential for new wildfires remains high due to higher than normal temperatures and pr

Related News