MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French 1
Statement
March 27, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada
The overdose crisis constitutes one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in recent Canadian history. It is fueled by the supply of illegal drugs, which is unpredictable, evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly toxic. There overdose crisis is tragic and has devastating consequences for individuals, friends, and families across the country, leaving no community in Canada untouched.
THE national data on harms associated with opioids and stimulants in Canada released today tells us that the number of deaths associated with opioids remains far too high. On average, 22 people die every day and there are approximately 80 emergency room admissions per day for opioid-related poisoning. Additionally, from January to September 2023, there were 33,015 emergency medical services (EMS) responses for suspected opioid-related overdoses.
The rapid evolution and volatility of supply in the illicit drug market is a key factor in increasing deaths, hospitalizations, EMS responses, and emergency room admissions. Of all apparent accidental deaths related to opioid toxicity occurring in 2023 between January and September, 82% involved fentanyl – this percentage has increased by 44% since 2016, when national surveillance began. New substances and contaminants, such as xylazine and nitazenes, are more frequently present in the illegal drug market.
This situation is heartbreaking and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to find solutions to the overdose crisis and save lives. We listened to Canadians, including street workers, drug users and their families, communities, Indigenous partners and all levels of government. Every story and every community is unique, and it’s clear that no single intervention will turn the tide. Experts tell us that only a comprehensive, holistic set of support measures can achieve the desired result: preventing deaths and restoring well-being and health.
The Government of Canada has implemented a range of measures to combat the overdose crisis. Guided by the Canadian Strategy on Drugs and Substances (CDAS), we have placed compassion and dignity at the center of our approach. The Canadian model implements a full spectrum of evidence-based measures, including prevention initiatives aimed at educating Canadians about the risks of substance use before it begins. THE Youth Substance Use Prevention Program recently launched is an example of efforts to establish protective elements that promote overall health and wellness to prevent risks associated with substance use among youth. The Canadian model further invests in law enforcement and seeks to expand access to quality treatment, aftercare and recovery services across the country.
Risk reduction is also an important component of our approach. This includes measures to support people who currently use substances to ensure they do not turn to the supply of potentially deadly illegal drugs, and help them contact health and social services . In October 2023, the supervised consumption sites across Canada had enabled more than 53,000 overdose interventions. These sites save lives. They protect communities by reducing drug use in public, reducing the spread of infectious diseases as well as reducing the strain on emergency medical services. In addition, they made more than 424,000 referrals to direct people to health and social services, including primary health care, consultations and housing and living support services. employment.
The overdose crisis is too big for any one organization or government to handle. We can only help address the associated unnecessary suffering and deaths of Canadians through the concerted efforts of everyone, provinces and territories, Indigenous leaders, professional and regulatory bodies, health care providers and partners. law enforcement. We will continue to listen to experts and Canadians to learn what works, what can be improved, and how we can ultimately save lives.
The Honorable Ya’ara Saks, PC, MP
Contact persons
Yuval DanielPress SecretaryOffice of the Honorable Ya’ara Saks,Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health819-360-6927
Media RelationsPublic Health Agency of Canada613-957-2983media@hc-sc.gc.ca
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
