BC Leads Canada in Opioid Deaths

British Columbia recorded the highest rate of opioid deaths in Canada in 2023, with 40.3 deaths per 100,000 population, according to Statistics Canada. Alberta and Saskatchewan followed closely.

BC Health Minister Josie Osborne noted that while 2024 has seen a decline in deaths from dangerous drugs, the toxic drug supply remains a critical public health issue impacting all regions.

The report revealed that over 15,000 lives have been lost to drug poisoning in BC since the public health emergency was declared in 2016.

Minister Osborne highlighted government efforts to prevent further deaths, including access to take-home naloxone kits and drug-testing services to support recovery.