Stopping toxic drug deaths makes communities safer

The opioid crisis continues to impact the safety of all communities in BC. To try and prevent some of the damage created by toxic supplies of street drugs, BC has become the first province to seek decriminalization of illicit drugs for personal use.

More than 7,700 people have died from toxic drugs in BC since a public health emergency was declared in 2016. The crisis affects all corners of society and has had a devastating effect on many urban areas. BC recently announced a new plan to treat mental health and addictions called A Pathway to Hope.

Lessening dependence on illegal drugs is a step on the path to help people with addictions get treatment and access recovery supports.