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Canadian Public Health Association

The Toxic Drug Crisis in Canada

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PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS

The toxic drug crisis in Canada continues to claim lives at an alarming rate. Since 2016, over 40,000 Canadians have died from opioid-related overdoses. The presence of highly potent substances like fentanyl in the illegal drug supply has exacerbated the crisis, resulting in more unpredictable and dangerous conditions for people who use drugs. Addressing this public health emergency requires the federal government to lead with compassionate, evidence-based solutions that prioritize saving lives and reducing harm.

A Higher Standard

The toxic drug crisis is one of the most pressing public health emergencies in Canada. Over 38,000 people have died from opioid-related toxicity since 2016, with deaths continuing to rise at alarming rates (Government of Canada, 2025). The crisis is fueled by an unregulated drug supply contaminated with fentanyl and other toxic substances, compounded by stigma, criminalization, and inadequate access to harm reduction services (Canadian Public Health Association, 2025).

It’s time for Canada to do better.

Why It Matters

  • Over 20 deaths per day: In 2022, an average of 20 people died every day in Canada from opioid toxicity (Government of Canada, 2025).
  • First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities disproportionately affected: Indigenous people in some regions are nearly six times more likely to experience opioid-related harm than non-Indigenous people (First Nations Health Authority, 2024).
  • Harm reduction saves lives: Supervised consumption sites reduce overdose deaths by up to 50% in communities where they operate (BC Centre on Substance Use, 2024).
  • Criminalization worsens health outcomes: Countries that have decriminalized drug possession, such as Portugal, have seen reduced overdose deaths, lower rates of HIV transmission, and improved access to treatment (Transform Drug Policy Foundation, 2021).

Policy Solutions for the Next Federal Government

  1. Expand Harm Reduction Services: Continue increasing funding for supervised consumption sites and harm reduction programs across Canada.
  2. Improve Access to Safe Supply: Expand safer drug supply programs to reduce reliance on the toxic illegal drug market.
  3. Support Decriminalization: Consider decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help without fear of criminal penalties.
  4. Invest in Public Health Campaigns: Enhance national campaigns that raise awareness about the dangers of the toxic drug supply and provide education on overdose prevention.

Questions for the Candidates

  • How will your party respond to the toxic drug crisis as a public health emergency?
  • Will your party commit to decriminalizing drug possession and investing in harm reduction programs?
  • How will your party expand access to evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders?
  • What measures will your party take to address the social determinants of health that contribute to problematic substance use?

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