The BC government has released the final numbers regarding unregulated drug deaths in 2024, with at least 2,253 deaths being caused by the toxic drug supply crisis.
Cumulatively, this number represents a 13% decrease from the numbers in 2023 and was less than the total toxic drug deaths from the past three years, according to the Province.
“The information collected by our coroners during their investigations into unregulated drug toxicity deaths, indicates a decline in fatalities over the last several months of 2024. This is consistent with reporting from other jurisdictions in Canada and internationally,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, Chief Coroner.
“This doesn’t mitigate the fact that 2,253 members of our communities died in 2024, leaving behind grieving loved ones, friends, colleagues and teammates. Our thoughts are with all of those many, many people who have been touched by this crisis.”
Last year, approximately 70% of those who died of toxic drug usage were between the ages of 30 and 59-years-old.
Notably, the number of women who died from this crisis has increased by 65% since 2020.
The specific areas most profoundly impacted by toxic drug deaths are Vancouver-Centre North (422), Lillooet (116), Greater Campbell River (109), Terrace (109) and Prince George (103).
In the Greater Victoria area, 157 people died of toxic drug usage during 2024—a slight decrease from the 174 who died in 2023.
According to the Province, fentanyl continues to be the primary driver of unregulated drug toxicity deaths in BC.
Fentanyl was detected in 78% of toxicological testing in 2024, whereas cocaine was detected in 52%, fluorofentanyl in 46%, methamphetamine in 43% and bromazolam was in 41%.
Minister of Health’s statement
Following the BC Coroners Service’s announcement of the 2024 toxic drug death numbers, Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, released a statement on the matter and the Province’s direction going into 2025.
“Today, we acknowledge the 2,253 people in British Columbia who lost their lives to poisoned drugs in 2024. Behind every number is a child, parent, sibling, friend or neighbour, and their loss is felt deeply by those who knew and loved them,” said Osborne.
“The toxic-drug crisis also continues to take a heavy toll on the people working on the front lines who care for and support many of the people we’ve lost. We must continue to work together to prevent further heartbreak and save lives.”
She added that this public health emergency touches every corner of our province and everyone in BC.
“Addiction can be influenced by many factors, including housing challenges, the cost of living, mental and physical pain, and intergenerational trauma,” she explained.
“By addressing these issues openly and expanding supports, we can help reduce the stigma around substance use and encourage individuals to seek help rather than struggle in addiction.”
In 2025, the BC government says they will be looking to continue to expand mental-health and addictions care throughout the province.
Measures planned by the Province include expanding early intervention and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services, support and complex-care housing as well as other initiatives.
“Most recently, we announced more substance-use treatment beds in communities throughout the province so more people can get the support they need,” stated Osborne.
“These beds are part of a record expansion of mental-health and substance-use care for those who need it most, including underserved groups and those in rural and remote communities.”
The Province says that since the public health emergency was first declared in April 2016, the lives of at least 16,047 people have been lost due to the toxic drug supply in BC.
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