Wednesday, May 27, 2026
ADVT 
National

150 overdose deaths in October

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Nov, 2023 03:31 PM
  • 150 overdose deaths in October

British Columbia's coroner says the toxic and unregulated drug supply has claimed more than 2,000 lives in the province in the first ten months of this year. 

A statement from the coroners' service says in October alone 189 people died from overdoses, which is more than six deaths a day.

It is also the 37th consecutive month where at least 150 people died from illicit overdoses. 

The service says more than 13,300 people have died because of poisoned drugs since the crisis was declared in April 2016.

Jennifer Whiteside, minister of mental health and addictions, says in a statement that they recognize the depth of grief the figures represent, and her government continues to work urgently to provide access to effective care.

The corner says males make up more than three-quarters of the 2023 death toll, about seven of every 10 people who died this year were between 30 and 59 years old and overdose is the leading cause of death in B.C. for those aged 10 to 59. 

MORE National ARTICLES

Richmond stabbing leaves 2 with serious injuries

Richmond stabbing leaves 2 with serious injuries
Officers responded to reports of a group of people fighting last night and found two victims with stab wounds.  The suspects fled, but were quickly found.  

Richmond stabbing leaves 2 with serious injuries

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Japan

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Japan
The G-7 nations are set to unveil a new round of sanctions against Moscow when the summit officially opens tomorrow, to further punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Japan

VPD seeks alleged fraudster wanted Canada-wide

VPD seeks alleged fraudster wanted Canada-wide
Huang is 5’5” and 155 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes, and is believed to reside in Vancouver. Huang has a history of violence and is considered armed and dangerous.

VPD seeks alleged fraudster wanted Canada-wide

B.C. reports 120% increase in prescriptions after pharmacists gain new powers

B.C. reports 120% increase in prescriptions after pharmacists gain new powers
B.C. pharmacists gained the ability to administer more vaccines and renew or adjust prescriptions for a wider range of drugs, with further changes on the way. The move aimed to help ease the pressures on B.C.'s health-care system, including the ongoing shortage of family physicians and lengthy clinic wait times.

B.C. reports 120% increase in prescriptions after pharmacists gain new powers

206 toxic drug deaths for BC in April

206 toxic drug deaths for BC in April
The report says fentanyl was present in about eight of every 10 deaths, almost always in combination with other substances. The service says there have been a total of 814 toxic drug deaths in the first four months of this year.

206 toxic drug deaths for BC in April

BOC raises concern that debt poses to Cdn economy

BOC raises concern that debt poses to Cdn economy
The central bank is also warning that financial stability could be threatened by a potential major cyber attack and more frequent extreme weather events associated with climate change.   

BOC raises concern that debt poses to Cdn economy