Friday, June 19, 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

B.C.'s Interior Health to restart surgeries

B.C.'s Interior Health to restart surgeries
The announcement from Interior Health comes as the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in B.C. continues to decline, at 733 on Friday from 744 the previous day.    

B.C.'s Interior Health to restart surgeries

692 COVID19 cases for Friday

692 COVID19 cases for Friday
There are 733 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 113 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, 5 new deaths have been reported, for an overall total of 2,786.

692 COVID19 cases for Friday

Downtown Eastside shooting lands one in hospital with serious injuries

Downtown Eastside shooting lands one in hospital with serious injuries
Multiple 9-1-1 callers reported hearing gun shots near East Cordova and Carrall streets at around 8:45 p.m. February 16. One person was taken to hospital for serious injuries.

Downtown Eastside shooting lands one in hospital with serious injuries

Victims scammed by Facebook Marketplace

Victims scammed by Facebook Marketplace
Suspects posted items for sale and arranged meetings with potential buyers. Victims then agreed to e-transfer payment prior to meeting the suspects, who suddenly stopped communicating with the victims and never showed up to exchange goods.

Victims scammed by Facebook Marketplace

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation
Interim chief Steve Bell says the plan is "deliberate and methodical" and police are in control on the ground, but clearing the area will take time. Police began enforcing against the protest on Thursday night, setting up about 100 checkpoints and arresting key organizers.

Ottawa police arrest 70 in sweeping operation

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers
Katrina Chen, B.C.'s minister of state for child care, announced Friday that $25.5 million will provide bursaries for students entering the field over the next three to four years.

B.C. sets out funding plan for child care teachers