There is evidence the COVID-19 pandemic is contributing to the already deadly and ongoing national public health overdose crisis. This crisis is having a tragic impact on people who use substances, their families, and communities across Canada. People who use substances, such as opioids, cocaine, and methamphetamine, are experiencing a number of increased risks, with several jurisdictions reporting higher rates of fatal overdoses and other harms.
These updates include available data on overdoses and deaths involving opioids and/or stimulants from January 2016 to March 2022, where available. Recognizing that harms related to opioids, stimulants, and other substances extend beyond overdoses (poisonings) and deaths, we continue to work with federal, provincial and territorial partners to build a broad understanding of harms and substances involved to better respond to this public health crisis. Additional studies can also help us plan and tailor actions to achieve better possible outcomes. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, and Dr. Jennifer Russell, the Chief Medical Officer of Health of New Brunswick, share their perspectives on these data, the overdose crisis and actions needed to prevent further substance-related harms in Canada in this joint statement.
