More than 2,200 Ontarians died from opioid overdoses in 2024, a 15% decrease from 2023, according to new data from the Office of the Chief Coroner. While this shows a downward trend, Chief Coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer expresses cautious optimism and worry about the long-term outlook. Fentanyl remains a major factor, and the province's shift to abstinence-based treatment hubs is criticized by some, including Liberal health critic Adil Shamji.
More than 2,200 died of opioids in Ontario last year as numbers trend downward: data
OntarioTorontoHealthOpioid addictionMental healthPublic health
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️More than 2,200 Ontarians died from opioid overdoses in 2024, a 15% decrease from 2023, according to new data from the Office of the Chief Coroner. While this shows a downward trend, Chief Coroner Dr. Dirk Huyer expresses cautious optimism and worry about the long-term outlook. Fentanyl remains a major factor, and the province's shift to abstinence-based treatment hubs is criticized by some, including Liberal health critic Adil Shamji.
Trending- 1 2015-2016: Opioid crisis begins to hit Ontario, illicit fentanyl makes its way east from British Columbia
- 2 2018: Opioid deaths double to 1,565
- 3 2021: Peak of opioid crisis with 2,880 deaths
- 4 2023: 2,639 opioid deaths recorded
- 5 Last year (2024): 2,231 opioid deaths recorded (15% decrease from 2023)
- 6 April (most recent data): 197 preliminary opioid deaths across the province
- 7 Recently: Province shifts approach, banning some supervised consumption sites
- 8 April 1 (past): Legislation banning consumption sites near schools/daycares came into effect
- 9 Days before April 1: One Toronto consumption site challenged the law in court, judge granted injunction
- Continued high number of opioid deaths despite a decrease
- Ongoing public health crisis in Ontario
- Debate over provincial addiction strategies (e.g., HART hubs vs. supervised consumption sites)
- Disproportionate impact on marginalized groups and the homeless population
What: Over 2,200 Ontarians died from opioid overdoses in 2024, representing a 15% decrease from 2023, according to newly released data.
When: Data for 2024 deaths released recently; 2023 (previous year's data); 2021 (peak of crisis); 2015-2016 (crisis began); April (most recent preliminary data).
Where: Ontario, Canada. Specifically mentioned Toronto.
Why: The opioid crisis continues, driven by substances like fentanyl, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. The exact reason for the recent decrease is unknown, but a slightly less toxic drug supply is postulated. Political and policy shifts, such as banning supervised consumption sites, are also factors.
How: Data was released by the Office of the Chief Coroner. The province is investing in 'road map to wellness' and 'addictions recovery fund' initiatives, including Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs.