A new report from the BC Coroners Service shows nearly 2,000 British Columbians died as a result of illicit drug use in the first 10 months of 2022..Keeping in line with the service’s previously released data, the report shines a light on the “continued dangers” that toxic drugs pose to users throughout the province..Now the leading cause of unnatural death in the province, second only to cancer in terms of years of life lost, the overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency in BC in 2016, and since then more than 10,600 British Columbians died as a result of illicit drugs..“Our government is expanding and evolving our response to this public health emergency as we strive to stop the terrible loss of life to the poisoned drug supply,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson..“While we have been adding new treatment and recovery services, expanding overdose prevention and working to end stigma about addiction, the increasing illicit drug toxicity has taken more lives.”.The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates a total of 26,690 opioid toxicity deaths occurred in Canada between January 2016 and September 2021 — with the majority in BC, Alberta, and Ontario..BC saw an average of 5.8 deaths per day in October..”The recommendations from both the Standing Committee on Health and two BC Coroners Service death review panels are clear: we must create a comprehensive continuum of care that supports people with substance-use disorders, and we must improve access to evidence-based options for treatment and recovery,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner..“Most importantly, as those reports recommended, it is imperative that access to safer supply is available in all areas of the province.”.READ MORE: Vancouver man to open store selling cocaine, crack, heroin, meth, and more.Beginning early next year, British Columbians can carry up to 2.5 grams of opioids, meth, cocaine, and more, without fear of criminal penalties..The exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) will be in effect from Jan. 31, 2023 to Jan. 31, 2026, throughout the entire province..BC is the first Canadian province to receive an exemption under the CDSA.
