Lək̓ʷəŋən [Lekwungen] Territory / VICTORIA, B.C. – The latest BC Coroners Service report reveals that at least 1,158 British Columbians have died from unregulated drug toxicity in the first half of 2024. BC Green leader Sonia Furstenau has issued the following statement: 

“While the death rate shows a slight decline, six people are still dying every single day in this province. The BC NDP’s response fails to address the crisis with the urgency and depth it demands.

“Programs like nasal naloxone in B.C. universities are a start, but why stop there? Expanding this to more public institutions could save lives. 

“Fentanyl remains the leading cause of unregulated drug toxicity deaths, showing up in 82% of tests in 2024. How many times must it be said, the drugs are poisoned, we need safer supply to be a real part of the solution, we need investments in health and mental health care, affordable housing, community support, and education, not just more empty promises after nearly a decade of this crisis.

“Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry’s recommendations for expanding safer supply have irresponsibly been ignored. Safer supply is essential in the treatment continuum, but this government drags its feet. 

“Is losing thousands of lives each year not enough incentive? It’s time to put British Columbians first. We can’t afford to let inaction keep costing the lives of our community members.”

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Media Contact:

Rippon Madtha (he/him)
Communications Manager
rippon.madtha@B.C.greens.ca
Phone: +1 778-650-0597