Starting in 2016, Canada saw a rapid increase in opioid-related overdose deaths. This crisis is one of a toxic and highly volatile unregulated drug supply. Stigma, criminalization, and lack of access to robust supports and services have contributed to the crisis. With the intended closure of many supervised consumption sites across the Ontario province by March 31, 2025, there are additional concerns with supporting people who use drugs to be safe and connected with care (Casey, 2024).
The number of Ontario youth dying from overdose has been rapidly increasing. Among those aged 15- 24, the number of opioid-related deaths increased by 47% in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and since 2014, opioid-related death rates for Ontario teens and young adults have tripled (Akbar et al., 2024).
Canada Opioid Crisis: How You Can Help By CCSUA
