National data shows overdose deaths dropped in 2024 but still higher than pre-pandemic
TORONTO – National health data shows overdose deaths in Canada dropped in 2024 but the toll still remained much higher than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.
A joint statement from the country's chief medical officers of health, chief coroners and chief medical examiners says 7,146 people died of opioid-related overdoses last year.
That's down from 8,623 deaths in 2023 but much higher than the 3,742 deaths reported in 2019.
The statement notes that the national numbers 'mask important regional differences,' with Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories reporting a rise in opioid-related deaths in 2024.
The number of people who died decreased in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Yukon and stayed about the same in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
There was no data available for Nunavut.
Many Indigenous communities saw an increase in opioid-related deaths, especially among women, between 2023 and 2024 'due to colonialization and continued marginalization,' the statement said.
'The overdose crisis, driven by a toxic illegal drug supply, is one of the most serious public health crises our country has ever faced,' it said.
Some provinces and territories that had fewer deaths in 2024 attributed the drop, at least partly, to 'a shift to lower toxicity of the drug supply, based on drug-checking data indicating a decrease in fentanyl concentrations,' the statement said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025.
Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
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SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account A joint statement from the country's chief medical officers of health, chief coroners and chief medical examiners said 7,146 people died of opioid-related overdoses between January and December 2024. That's down from 8,623 deaths in 2023 but much higher than the 3,742 deaths reported in 2019, according to data on the Public Health Agency of Canada's website. The statement said an average of 20 people a day died in 2024 from apparent opioid toxicity. The statement noted that the national numbers 'mask important regional differences,' with Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories reporting a rise in opioid-related deaths in 2024. The number of people who died decreased in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick and Yukon and stayed about the same in Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There was no data available for Nunavut. Read More Many Indigenous communities saw an increase in opioid-related deaths, especially among women, between 2023 and 2024 'due to colonialization and continued marginalization,' the statement said. 'The overdose crisis, driven by a toxic illegal drug supply, is one of the most serious public health crises our country has ever faced,' it said. 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