Coroner Confirms Nearly 600 Died From Toxic Drugs In B.C. In First 3 Months Of 2023

More than seven years after the declaration of a public-health emergency, the toxic, unregulated drug supply continues to claim the lives of British Columbians in record numbers, according to preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service.

“On April 14, we once again observed the anniversary of the longest public-health emergency in our province’s history,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner.

“Since the emergency was first declared, more than 11,000 people have lost their lives due to the unregulated drug supply. This is a crisis of incomprehensible scale, and I extend my deepest condolences to everyone who has experienced the loss of someone they loved.”

At least 374 deaths believed to be caused by toxic drugs were reported to the BC Coroners Service in February (177) and March (197), which equates to an average of 6.4 lives lost per day.

The 596 lives lost between January and March is the second-highest total ever recorded in the first three months of a calendar year, behind only 2022 (599 lives lost).

The total number of deaths equates to a provincewide death rate of 44.1 deaths per 100,000 population.

The reporting also reflects that the total number of deaths due to toxic drugs in 2022 has been increased to 2,314, making that year the deadliest year on record.

Last week, Island Health issued another drug overdose/poisoning advisory for Campbell River and Greater Victoria.

So far this year, 71% of those dying were aged 30 to 59, and 77% were male.