Opioid deaths in Canada down 23 per cent: health minister
Health officials said the decline reflects wider naloxone access and changes in the drug supply, but emergency response calls rose 9% nationally.
- On Monday, Health Minister Marjorie Michel reported opioid deaths in Canada fell 23% during 2025 to 5,608 fatalities, averaging about 15 deaths daily.
- Federal officials credited the decline to expanded naloxone access, improved surveillance, and $145 million in funding Michel distributed to 180 local support organizations.
- Most opioid deaths occurred in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, which together represented 78% of the total, while benzodiazepine involvement in fatalities surged to 34% by 2024.
- Indigenous Canadians faced 10% of deaths while comprising only 2.6% of the population, prompting Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty to underscore persistent inequities.
- National EMS call-outs rose 9% in 2025 despite the decline, while Fentanyl Czar Kevin Brosseau defended border security, calling Canada's resolve "non-abating.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Canada sees a 23% reduction in opioid deaths in 2025 - Creston Valley Advance
Opioid-related drug deaths in Canada declined by 23 per cent from 2024 to 2025, but remain elevated above pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by the federal government on Monday, June 15. Across Canada, an average of 15 people per day died as a result of using opioids illegally in 2025, for a yearly total of 5,608. Deaths had spiked from 3,598 in 2019 to a pandemic-era high of 8,040 in 2023, but have been declining steadily since. Of…
Canada sees a 23% reduction in opioid deaths in 2025 - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
Opioid-related drug deaths in Canada declined by 23 per cent from 2024 to 2025, but remain elevated above pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by the federal government on Monday, June 15. Across Canada, an average of 15 people per day died as a result of using opioids illegally in 2025, for a yearly total of 5,608. Deaths had spiked from 3,598 in 2019 to a pandemic-era high of 8,040 in 2023, but have been declining steadily since. Of…
Canada sees a 23% reduction in opioid deaths in 2025 - Grand Forks Gazette
Opioid-related drug deaths in Canada declined by 23 per cent from 2024 to 2025, but remain elevated above pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by the federal government on Monday, June 15. Across Canada, an average of 15 people per day died as a result of using opioids illegally in 2025, for a yearly total of 5,608. Deaths had spiked from 3,598 in 2019 to a pandemic-era high of 8,040 in 2023, but have been declining steadily since. Of…
Canada sees a 23% reduction in opioid deaths in 2025 - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
Opioid-related drug deaths in Canada declined by 23 per cent from 2024 to 2025, but remain elevated above pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by the federal government on Monday, June 15. Across Canada, an average of 15 people per day died as a result of using opioids illegally in 2025, for a yearly total of 5,608. Deaths had spiked from 3,598 in 2019 to a pandemic-era high of 8,040 in 2023, but have been declining steadily since. Of…
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