11% decrease year-over-year in toxic drug deaths, B.C.'s March data shows
At least 192 people died in B.C. from toxic drugs in March, the latest data from the provincial coroner shows.
That figure, released Tuesday, marks an 11 per cent decrease compared to March 2023. It's the third month in a row the province has seen a year-over-year decrease in toxic drug deaths.
So far this year, at least 572 people have died from the toxic drug supply, with about seven in 10 of the victims between the ages of 30 and 59. The data also revealed that, while nearly 75 per cent of those killed were men, death among females rose year-over-year.
"These were people with hopes, dreams and stories cut tragically short by a crisis that continues to challenge us deeply," Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside said in a statement.
"These losses underscore the urgency with which we must continue to respond to this public-health emergency. We remember not only those we've lost but also their families and friends left to grieve."
According to the BC Coroners Service, the province's unregulated drug supply is the leading cause of death for British Columbians between the ages of 10 and 59. Since the province declared a public-health emergency in April 2016, at least 14,400 people have died from toxic drugs in B.C.
B.C. seeks change to decriminalization
The latest data came as Ottawa approved B.C.'s request for a change to its decriminalization pilot project, which recriminalized the use of drugs in public places.
Premier David Eby made the request to Health Canada last month, after facing repeated criticism from politicians, health-care workers and police. His request was approved Tuesday.
The province is one year into its three-year pilot project, which decriminalized possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. A Health Canada exemption was issued to allow the pilot to proceed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi still missing after helicopter accident in mountains
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Toxic drugs circulating in northeastern Ont., police say
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.