Alberta Overdose Deaths Fall 55 Percent in May From Same Time Last Year

Opioid-related deaths in Alberta fell to their lowest level in over four years this past May, continuing a steady decline observed in recent months.
Alberta’s overdose fatalities climbed during the pandemic, peaking at 185 in March 2023. Since then, the numbers have steadily declined.
“Our government believes that for anyone suffering from the disease of addiction, recovery is possible. We are turning words into action and giving people an opportunity to pursue recovery,” he told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement on Aug. 30.
Referring to so-called safer supply programs adopted in B.C. and Ontario, he said, “While other jurisdictions continue with experimental policies, Alberta is focused on expanding access to the treatment and recovery services we know save lives.”
B.C. and Ontario also reported a slight decline in drug overdose deaths in recent months.
In June 2024, a total of 185 drug toxicity deaths were recorded in B.C., down from 203 in the same month last year, according to data from the B.C. Chief Coroner’s Office.
“The rate of people dying from toxic drug poisonings is at the lowest it’s been in four years. We know there’s more to do, and we’re going to continue doing everything we can to save lives and connect people to the care they need,” the spokesperson said in an email statement on Aug. 30.
“We’re starting to see a difference.”
The Epoch Times reached out to Ontario’s Ministry of Health for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.