Canada sees a decrease in toxic drug deaths
Posted June 15, 2026 3:28 pm.
A statement was released today by Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel that shows a decrease in toxic drug deaths across the country.
From January to December 2025, there were 5,608 opioid-related deaths across Canada, an average of 15 deaths per day. This represents a decrease of 23 per cent compared to 2024.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!Stimulant-related deaths also decreased by 31 per cent at the national level in 2025, compared to the year before.
Though opioid-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits also decreased in 2025 (by 12 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively), there was a 9 per cent increase in Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responses.
“Drugs circulating on the Canadian illegal market are contaminated and very toxic, making the risk of overdose extremely high. That said, due to a combination of factors, Canada saw a relative decrease in deaths last year,” read the statement
“Some of these factors include shifts in the unregulated illegal drug supply, harm reduction measures including wider access to naloxone, and a smaller population at risk of overdose.”
