Tuesday, June 9, 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

Wildfire in Metro Vancouver park now under control

Wildfire in Metro Vancouver park now under control
A statement from the district says a 50-person firefighting crew has established a 15-metre "wet line" around the perimeter of the fire in Coquitlam's Minnekhada Regional Park, preventing any further spread. It says ground crews are now focused on dousing remaining hot spots.  

Wildfire in Metro Vancouver park now under control

Opposition BC Liberals call for MLA pay freeze

Opposition BC Liberals call for MLA pay freeze
The Opposition BC Liberals are calling for an all-party pay freeze as a show of solidarity with people struggling to make ends meet during inflationary times. Liberal house leader Todd Stone says members of the legislature could be in line for a salary increase in April of 10 per cent or more, amounting to raises of at least $10,000.

Opposition BC Liberals call for MLA pay freeze

B.C. pharmacists welcome new prescription powers

B.C. pharmacists welcome new prescription powers
As the changes are rolled out, B.C. pharmacists said the smoothness of the transition will depend on the reimbursement model, staffing supports and whether there's an added administrative burden. Like many health professionals, pharmacists have faced burnout and labour shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

B.C. pharmacists welcome new prescription powers

Canada confirms 1,406 monkeypox cases

Canada confirms 1,406 monkeypox cases
Of the confirmed cases, 674 are from Ontario, 521 from Quebec, 162 from British Columbia, 41 from Alberta, three from Saskatchewan, two from the Yukon and one each from Nova Scotia, Manitoba and New Brunswick, the health agency added on Wednesday.

Canada confirms 1,406 monkeypox cases

11 year old boy struck by a minivan in Richmond in a suspected hit-and-run

11 year old boy struck by a minivan in Richmond in a suspected hit-and-run
Shortly before 9 a.m. on Wednesday frontline Richmond RCMP officers responded to the area of No. 1 Road and Tucker Avenue after reports of an 11-year old boy being struck. The boy was pushing his bicycle in a marked pedestrian crosswalk and struck by a gray minivan. This minivan then proceeded to sideswipe another vehicle before fleeing the scene.

11 year old boy struck by a minivan in Richmond in a suspected hit-and-run

More temperature records in B.C., no sign of rain

More temperature records in B.C., no sign of rain
Environment Canada says 11 daily maximum temperature records were set Wednesday across parts of Vancouver Island, the central coast, southern Interior and southeastern B.C. At 26.9 C, the Pemberton area broke a record that has stood since 1908.

More temperature records in B.C., no sign of rain