Monday, June 29, 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

671 COVID19 cases for Friday

671 COVID19 cases for Friday
There are 5,872 active cases of COVID-19 in the province and 160,268 people who tested positive have recovered. Of the active cases, 215 individuals are in hospital and 118 are in intensive care. The remaining people are recovering at home in self-isolation.

671 COVID19 cases for Friday

Doctor frustrated with 'arrogance' of unvaccinated

Doctor frustrated with 'arrogance' of unvaccinated
Dr. Steven Fedder, who works in the emergency room of a hospital in Richmond, B.C., said he has run out of patience for people whose stance against vaccines has larger societal implications.    

Doctor frustrated with 'arrogance' of unvaccinated

O'Toole, Singh target Trudeau over election call

O'Toole, Singh target Trudeau over election call
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is finding himself under fire this morning from his political opponents over the timing of an election call during the fourth wave of COVID-19. Trudeau triggered the election three weeks ago, and it wraps on Sept. 20.    

O'Toole, Singh target Trudeau over election call

Lawsuit seeks Canada-wide drug decriminalization

Lawsuit seeks Canada-wide drug decriminalization
The statement of claim filed Tuesday by the Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs and four individual plaintiffs says drug dependence is well recognized as a medical condition, but criminalization means the toxic illicit market is the only source of most drugs.

Lawsuit seeks Canada-wide drug decriminalization

New COVID-19 restrictions in north B.C.

New COVID-19 restrictions in north B.C.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says indoor gatherings are now restricted to only one other family or five guests, while outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people.

New COVID-19 restrictions in north B.C.

801 COVID19 cases for Thursday

801 COVID19 cases for Thursday
84.6% (3,922,233) of eligible people 12 and older in B.C. have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 76.9% (3,565,148) received their second dose.    

801 COVID19 cases for Thursday