Thursday, June 18, 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

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect
At a Monday news conference at the Calgary airport hosted by the Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable, WestJet communications vice-president Richard Bartrem said the carrier's flight volume remains at half of its 2019 level of roughly 700 trips per day.

Industry demands end to COVID-19 travel testing as eased restrictions take effect

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse
The Seattle Times reports Brandan L. Wilkins pleaded guilty in February 2021 to enticing a minor, traveling with the intent to engage in a sexual act with a minor and possessing and receiving child pornography. Wilkins was a Transit Security Administration agent at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and has been in custody since his arrest in 2018.

Man sentenced to 25 years for child sexual abuse

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression can find a safe haven in Canada using expedited temporary visas for emergency travel. The minister also announced a new reunification program for Ukrainians with family in Canada and wish to come on a permanent basis.

Canada welcomes Ukrainians temporarily

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop
As the driver attempted to flee, he dropped a loaded handgun as he was running away from police. SGET officers took possession of the suspected firearm. The passenger was arrested a short distance away with assistance from the Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

Two arrested, one handgun seized following traffic stop

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector
Russia's invasion of a sovereign European nation has had wide-ranging energy implications, and is now being used as ammunition by oil and gas sector proponents who offer it as proof that Canada must grow its domestic fossil fuel sector if it wants to ensure energy security.

Ukraine war raises issues for energy sector

442 COVID19 cases for Wednesday

442 COVID19 cases for Wednesday
There are 517 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 73 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, 10 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,883.    

442 COVID19 cases for Wednesday