Opioid deaths fall nationwide, rise in Quebec and NL
New Federal Data Shows 17% Drop in Opioid-Related Deaths in Canada in 2024
According to new federal data, the number of opioid-related deaths in Canada decreased by 17% in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, certain regions such as Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories saw an increase in opioid-related deaths during the same period.
A recent report from the Canadian Center for Substance Use and Addiction Resources indicates that while overall opioid-related deaths decreased across Canada, the number of deaths due to opioid toxicity remains alarmingly high. In 2024, there were a total of 7,150 confirmed opioid-related deaths in the country, averaging to about 20 deaths per day.
British Columbia reported the highest number of opioid-related deaths with 2,299 fatalities, followed by Ontario with 2,231 deaths and Alberta with 1,181 deaths. All three provinces saw a decrease in opioid-related deaths compared to the previous year.
Quebec ranked fourth with 645 deaths in 2024, marking an increase from the 536 deaths reported in 2023 and more than double the number of deaths in 2022. Newfoundland and Labrador reported 45 opioid-related deaths in 2024, up from 37 deaths in 2023. The Northwest Territories also saw an increase in opioid-related deaths, with six fatalities reported in 2024 compared to three in 2023.
The data highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in Canada and the need for continued efforts to address substance use and addiction. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing issue.
