Sunday, May 31, 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

High court won't hear private health challenge

High court won't hear private health challenge
Dr. Brian Day is CEO of the Cambie Surgery Centre, which, along with a handful of patients, has spent more than a decade in court challenging the British Columbia Medicare Protection Act, which bans extra-billing and private insurance for medically necessary procedures.

High court won't hear private health challenge

Canada's employment continues upward trend in March

Canada's employment continues upward trend in March
Employment has generally trended up since September 2022. Over that period, the number of people employed has increased by 383,000, or 1.9 per cent, the national statistical agency added on Thursday.

Canada's employment continues upward trend in March

B.C. emerging from pandemic, Henry says

B.C. emerging from pandemic, Henry says
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the requirement for health-care workers to be fully vaccinated remains, but the steady decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations indicates the province is "emerging" from the pandemic.

B.C. emerging from pandemic, Henry says

Richmond RCMP need the public's assistance in locating Nathan Pillay

Richmond RCMP need the public's assistance in locating Nathan Pillay
27-year old Nathan Pillay was last seen leaving his home in the 10200 block of Shell Road at about midnight last night (April 5/6). Pillay requires daily medication and family members are becoming concerned for his well-being.

Richmond RCMP need the public's assistance in locating Nathan Pillay

Coquitlam high school was under lockdown, RCMP investigating

Coquitlam high school was under lockdown, RCMP investigating
Police have identified and located two youth who are believed to be the source of the threat. There is no continued threat to the public or the school. The school lifted their lockdown with classes resuming as normal.

Coquitlam high school was under lockdown, RCMP investigating

BC's police watchdog investigates a deadly officer involved shooting in Surrey

BC's police watchdog investigates a deadly officer involved shooting in Surrey
It says police identified two robbery suspects and, during an altercation, an officer shot and killed a man. The authority says the second suspect was taken into custody and no one else was hurt.

BC's police watchdog investigates a deadly officer involved shooting in Surrey