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.