MONTRÉAL – New federal data indicates a significant decline in apparent opioid-related deaths across Canada in 2024, showing a 17 percent drop compared to the previous year. This report highlights that while the overall trend is encouraging, certain regions are experiencing a rise in opioid-related fatalities.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction released the findings, stating that despite the national decrease, opioid toxicity deaths remain at an alarming level. In total, Canada reported 7,150 apparent opioid-related deaths for the year 2024, averaging approximately 20 deaths per day.
British Columbia reported the highest number of deaths, with 2,299 cases in 2024. Following closely, Ontario reported 2,231 deaths, while Alberta registered 1,181 opioid-related deaths. However, all three provinces have documented a decline in deaths compared to 2023, reflecting a positive trend in these regions.
In contrast, Quebec experienced an increase in opioid-related deaths, rising from 536 deaths in 2023 to 645 deaths in 2024. This figure represents more than double the death toll from 2022, signaling escalating concerns about the opioid crisis in the province.
Similar trends were observed in Newfoundland and Labrador, which saw a rise in apparent opioid deaths, with 45 reported in 2024, up from 37 in the previous year. Meanwhile, the Northwest Territories reported six opioid-related deaths for 2024, an increase from three deaths in 2023.
The report underscores the ongoing challenges posed by opioid toxicity across the country. Despite some provinces showing a reduction in deaths, the persistently high numbers in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories reveal a complex landscape in handling the opioid crisis.
The overarching message from this data is a clear call to action for public health officials and policymakers to address the disparities in opioid-related deaths across Canada. This situation requires targeted interventions and support systems to combat the opioid epidemic effectively, particularly in regions where rates are rising.
