Skip to Main content

6.14°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Jun 28, 2023 6:51 PM - The Canadian Press

Alberta marks deadliest month for overdose deaths in April

Share On

alberta-marks-deadliest-month-for-overdose-deaths-in-april

The latest provincial data, which was released on Monday, shows 179 people died from drug poisoning in April, making it the month with the highest-ever opioid deaths recorded in Alberta.

Experts say Alberta's model for combating drug poisoning in the province is not working as opioid-related deaths reached an all-time high this April.

The latest provincial data, which was released on Monday, shows 179 people died from drug poisoning in April, making it the month with the highest-ever opioid deaths recorded in Alberta.

Elaine Hyshka, who is the Canada Research Chair in health systems innovation, says the latest numbers suggest that the province might be on track for the worst year yet.

Hyshka says the increased number of overdoses shows the illegal supply of drugs in Alberta is highly toxic.

She says the Alberta government should consider providing pharmaceutical-grade alternatives to illegal drug supply while also offering access to harm reduction.

Mental Health and Addiction Minister Dan Williams says it is clear from the data that more needs to be done to address the addiction crisis.

He says investing in recovery is not a choice that the government is making but it is their moral obligation to allow for better futures for those suffering.

Latest news

poilievre-criticizes-carney-economic-record-outlines-conservative-agenda-in-toronto-speech

CanadaApr 16, 2026

Poilievre criticizes Carney economic record, outlines Conservative agenda in Toronto speech

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre used a speech to a business audience in Toronto on Friday to criticize Prime Minister Mark Carney’s economic record and promote his party’s approach to taxation and regulation. Speaking at the Canadian Club Toronto, Poilievre said the federal government has not delivered on key economic commitments since Carney took office more than a year ago. He told attendees that his party would focus on reducing taxes and cutting regulations, arguing that government should play a smaller role in the private sector. Poilievre claimed economic conditions have worsene

surrey-traffic-stop-leads-to-seizure-of-fentanyl-cocaine-and-meth-two-arrested

Surrey traffic stop leads to seizure of fentanyl, cocaine and meth, two arrested

A proactive traffic stop in Surrey by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team resulted in the seizure of more than 3.5 kilograms of suspected illicit drugs, according to a police release. CFSEU-BC said the stop took place on March 24 as part of ongoing enforcement targeting organized crime. Officers located bulk quantities of drugs packaged in vacuum-sealed bags. The substances were processed and identified as approximately 1.293 kilograms of fentanyl, 1.064 kilograms of cocaine and 1.149 kilograms of methamphetamine. Police said the f

canada-post-begins-transition-from-door-to-door-delivery-to-community-mailboxes

CanadaApr 16, 2026

Canada Post begins transition from door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes

Canada Post says it has begun preliminary work to phase out most door-to-door mail delivery, starting consultations with unions and communities as part of a multi-year transition. According to a Canada Post news release, the Crown corporation plans to convert approximately four million addresses to community mailboxes over the next five years. The change will be rolled out in stages, with different regions shifting to centralized mail delivery each year. The corporation says discussions are underway with 13 communities across the country, including Ottawa and Winnipeg. The first phase is expec

CanadaApr 16, 2026

Surge in citizenship-by-descent applications after Canada’s Bill C-3 takes effect

Applications for Canadian citizenship by descent have increased sharply following the implementation of Bill C-3, commonly referred to as the “Lost Canadians” law, according to federal immigration data. The law, which came into force on December 15, expands eligibility to individuals born outside Canada to Canadian parents who were also born abroad. To qualify, at least one parent must have lived in Canada for a minimum of three years before the applicant’s birth. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, more than 12,000 applications were received between December 15 an

Vancouver driver clocked at 191 km/h, fails roadside test with children in vehicle, RCMP say

A 37-year-old Vancouver man has been issued a 90-day driving prohibition after police say he was caught travelling 191 km/h in an 80 km/h zone with his children in the vehicle. According to a Maple Ridge RCMP news release, officers with the Road Safety Target Team were conducting speed enforcement on April 12 at حوالي 5:45 p.m. in the 25200 block of Lougheed Highway when a white Tesla was recorded travelling 111 km/h over the posted limit using a laser speed reader. Police said the driver showed signs of impairment after being stopped and was administered a roadside Approved Screening Dev

Related News

Charge upgraded to second-degree murder in Calgary teen case involving grandmother’s death

Charge upgraded to second-degree murder in Calgary teen case involving grandmother’s death

A 15-year-old boy accused of attacking his grandmother in northeast Calgary is now facing a charge of second-degree murder, according to the Calgary Police Service. Police say officers were called on March 29 to a residence following reports of an altercation. A woman in her 50s was found injured and taken to hospital, where she later died. The youth had initially been charged with aggravated assault. Investigators say that charge has now been upgraded to second-degree murder following the victim’s death. He also faces one count of mischief to property. Authorities have not released the vict

Alberta proposes early cabinet review for industrial projects over $250M

Alberta proposes early cabinet review for industrial projects over $250M

Alberta’s government has introduced legislation that would allow cabinet ministers to review major industrial project proposals earlier in the approval process, according to a bill tabled Tuesday. Energy Minister Brian Jean said the proposed changes would apply to projects valued at more than $250 million and are intended to help companies strengthen their applications before entering formal regulatory review. According to the provincial government, the system would involve select cabinet members assessing proposals at an initial stage, with the aim of identifying issues that could delay app

Alberta to keep fuel tax formula unchanged after federal excise tax pause

Alberta to keep fuel tax formula unchanged after federal excise tax pause

The Alberta government says it will not change its provincial fuel tax framework following the federal decision to temporarily suspend excise taxes on gasoline and diesel. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the federal excise tax on gasoline and diesel will be suspended from April 20 to Sept. 7. According to the federal announcement, the measure is expected to lower prices by about 10 cents per litre for gasoline and four cents per litre for diesel during that period. Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner said the province will maintain its current fuel tax formula, which adjusts based o

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital