Overdose deaths in Canada fell in 2024, still higher than pre-pandemic
According to national health data released on Wednesday, overdose deaths in Canada dropped in 2024 compared to the previous year, but the toll still remained significantly higher than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
A joint statement from the country’s chief medical officers of health, chief coroners, and chief medical examiners revealed that 7,146 people died of opioid-related overdoses between January and December 2024. While this number is lower than the 8,623 deaths reported in 2023, it is much higher than the 3,742 deaths recorded in 2019.
On average, 20 people a day died in 2024 from apparent opioid toxicity, highlighting the severity of the crisis. The statement also pointed out that there are important regional differences in the data, with Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories reporting a rise in opioid-related deaths in 2024.
However, some provinces and territories saw a decrease in the number of deaths. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Yukon reported fewer deaths, while Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island had stable numbers. Unfortunately, there was no data available for Nunavut.
The statement highlighted the increase in opioid-related deaths in many Indigenous communities, particularly among women, between 2023 and 2024. This increase was attributed to colonialization and continued marginalization, underscoring the complex issues at play in the crisis.
Fentanyl was involved in 74% of the opioid toxicity deaths, with stimulants also playing a significant role in 70% of cases. Stimulant drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription amphetamines were commonly found in toxicology reports.
In addition to deaths, there were 5,514 hospitalizations, 36,266 ambulance responses, and 24,587 emergency department visits due to suspected opioid-related drug toxicity across Canada in 2024. While these numbers were lower than in 2023, they still represent a significant burden on the healthcare system.
The Public Health Agency of Canada emphasized that the data in the report represents stories of pain, grief, and trauma, and acknowledged the impact of substance use on individuals and communities. Efforts to save lives and reduce substance-related harms are ongoing, but the crisis remains one of the most serious public health challenges in the country.
In conclusion, while there have been some improvements in the fight against opioid-related overdoses, the numbers in 2024 still paint a grim picture of the ongoing crisis. Collaborative efforts are needed to address the root causes of substance use and prevent further loss of life.
