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4w ago

Ontario opioid deaths drop 15% in 2024 as fentanyl continues to dominate

Detection of fentanyl in over 83% of overdose fatalities highlights continuing drug toxicity concerns.

Fentanyl is cooked before being injected, in Toronto, on Thursday January 9, 2025. The threatened tariff war between Canada and the US has been suspended after Canada vowed to implement a $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel in a bid to to stop fentanyl being smuggled into the US.

Overview

  • Office of the Chief Coroner reports 2,231 opioid-related deaths in 2024, down 15% from 2023.
  • The opioid mortality rate fell to 14.3 per 100,000 last year from a peak of 19.4 during the 2021 pandemic surge.
  • Fentanyl and related substances featured in more than 83% of opioid toxicity deaths, with stimulants and benzodiazepines also frequently detected.
  • The Ontario government has pledged $3.8 billion over 10 years plus $124 million through its addictions recovery fund and $550 million for 28 HART hubs and 540 supportive housing units.
  • Liberal health critic Adil Shamji and other experts warn that new treatment hubs remain underfunded and lack leadership to close ongoing care gaps.