Tuesday, June 23, 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

Canada to order antivirals to combat COVID-19

Canada to order antivirals to combat COVID-19
The government has signed up for an initial one million courses of antiviral treatment from Pfizer, once Health Canada endorses their safety and efficacy.The company submitted a request for approval to the federal drug regulator earlier this week.

Canada to order antivirals to combat COVID-19

Tories demand clarity on next steps for jets

Tories demand clarity on next steps for jets
The call comes days after the government announced Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter and the Sweden's Saab Gripen are the only two planes still in contention for the $19-billion contract to supply Canada with 88 new fighters.    

Tories demand clarity on next steps for jets

B.C. to help communities rebuild: minister

B.C. to help communities rebuild: minister
Mike Farnworth visited Princeton and said he saw "incredible devastation" to homes and infrastructure in the southern Interior town, about 280 kilometres east of Vancouver. 

B.C. to help communities rebuild: minister

B.C. well on its way for booster campaign: Dix

B.C. well on its way for booster campaign: Dix
British Columbia's health minister says the province is "ahead of the curve" on recommendations by a national advisory group that Canadians ages 50 and older get a COVID-19 booster.  Adrian Dix says his ministry announced weeks ago that it would start its booster program and already 470,000 people have had a third shot. 

B.C. well on its way for booster campaign: Dix

Too early to peg B.C. flood damage costs: minister

Too early to peg B.C. flood damage costs: minister
But Selina Robinson says the effects of the floods and extreme weather may affect the government's bottom line after she met today with the Economic Forecast Council, a 13-member private-sector group that is giving her advice before next spring's budget.

Too early to peg B.C. flood damage costs: minister

405 COVID19 cases for Friday

405 COVID19 cases for Friday
There are currently 3,071 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 214,047 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 276 individuals are currently in hospital and 95 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

405 COVID19 cases for Friday