For Immediate Release

August 30, 2024

STATEMENT

Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen)Territory / Victoria, B.C. —  In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31), and the 15,140 British Columbians who lost their lives to unregulated toxic drugs, BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau has issued the following statement:

“We continue to mourn the thousands of loved ones who have died from poisoned drugs and inadequate government action.

“At a time when life-saving services are being sacrificed for political gain, we must continue to advocate for evidence-based policies. The planned closure of supervised consumption services in Ontario highlights the harm these decisions cause.

“With 192 lives lost in July alone to unregulated drug toxicity, it’s time to move beyond empty statements and demand transparency in the actions taken to prevent further deaths.

“The number one recommendation from the all-party committee report on the toxic drug crisis was to rapidly scale up a flexible, evidence-based, low-barrier comprehensive continuum of care, and to provide regular public reporting on results.

“After calling for more action last year, we still  have not seen the BC NDP change course and provide monthly updates on:  

• The number of people in BC with access to safer supply.
• The count of active overdose prevention sites in BC
• The quantity of new affordable and supportive housing units created.
• Access to mental health supports across the province, including youth-specific supports.
• Availability of treatment spaces, both public and private.
• Updates on the regulation of addictions treatment in BC.

“As we mourn with families over the release of today’s Coroners Service report and stand with our community tomorrow on International Overdose Awareness Day, we will continue to fight for the changes needed in our province to keep our loved ones alive and safe.”

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Media contact: 
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary, BC Green Party
jojo.beattie@greenparty.bc.ca 
Phone: +1 250-418-5528