2021 now deadliest year for illicit-drug overdoses in B.C., after record 201 deaths in October, coroner says
CBC
The number of people suspected to have died of an illicit-drug overdose in British Columbia has hit 1,782, eclipsing last year's record high of 1,765.
New figures released by the B.C. Coroners Service show 201 people died in October, the highest ever number of deaths recorded in a single month. Deaths were recorded in all age groups and in every local health area in the province.
The rate of overdose deaths in the first 10 months of this year has increased by 23.9 per cent compared to the same months in 2020. The figures mean nearly six British Columbians died every day due to toxic drugs.
More than 84 per cent of the deaths in 2021 involved fentanyl, according to the coroner's report. That is slightly down from the 2020 figure of 85 per cent, but more than 14 per cent of the deaths involved "extreme" concentrations of the drug.
More than 70 per cent of deaths were among those age 30 to 59, and 79 per cent were men.
Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria saw the most overdose deaths so far this year, according to the report, with 602 deaths in the Fraser Health Authority and 494 deaths in Vancouver Coastal Health.
When looking at the rates of fatal overdoses per local health area, the highest rates from January to August were in Upper Skeena, Lillooet and Merritt.
In 2016, when B.C. declared a public health emergency due to the poisoned drug supply, the rate of overdose deaths per 100,000 people was 20.4. That rate has now doubled to more than 41.2 deaths per 100,000 people.
An overdose is now by far the most common cause of unnatural death in the province.
In its report, the coroners office noted that no deaths have yet been recorded at overdose prevention sites, or due to prescribed safe supply.
The provincial government has pledged to expand safe supply and has applied to decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs, but advocates have criticized the government's approach as the number of deaths due to toxic drugs reaches new highs.
By the time you read this, you might already be knee-deep in torn wrapping paper, demolished cardboard boxes and styrofoam whatnots from the Christmas morning frenzy.
Trying to plan a holiday commute? Hoping to grab some last-minute food or booze? Looking for some activities to minimize awkward interactions with your in-laws or keep your children entertained?
Canada's premiers are calling on the federal government to extend the deadline for claiming charitable donations on tax returns through to the end of February.
Premier Danielle Smith will attend the second inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in January, her office has confirmed.
Multiple major B.C. Ferries sailings have been cancelled for Christmas Day due to an incoming storm.
As Dr. Hai Nguyen entered the operating room last week, he couldn't shake the feeling of performing in front of an audience.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham has a prediction: some day, a Manitoba premier will agree to create a new funding formula for cities that includes some form of growth revenue.
Children and seniors in the community of Qu'Appelle, Sask., excitedly packaged up food hampers this holiday season.
It's Christmas on P.E.I., a time to reflect, gather with family and friends, and hopefully eat lots of delicious food after the gifts are unwrapped.
Premier Danielle Smith will attend the second inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in January, her office has confirmed.
Multiple major B.C. Ferries sailings have been cancelled for Christmas Day due to an incoming storm.