This represents a 13% decrease from the number of deaths in 2023

REPORTING from the BC Coroners Service shows the continued impact of unregulated drug toxicity in communities throughout the province in 2024, with 2,253 lives lost last year.

The cumulative number of unregulated drug deaths represents a 13% decrease from the number of deaths in 2023 and is less than the annual figure from any of the previous three years. The rate of death in 2024 was 40 per 100,000 people, compared with 47 per 100,000 in 2023, 45 per 100,000 in 2022 and 44 per 100,000 in 2021.

“The information collected by our coroners during their investigations into unregulated drug toxicity deaths, indicates a decline in fatalities over the last several months of 2024. This is consistent with reporting from other jurisdictions in Canada and internationally,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, Chief Coroner, on Tuesday.

“This doesn’t mitigate the fact that 2,253 members of our communities died in 2024, leaving behind grieving loved ones, friends, colleagues and teammates. Our thoughts are with all of those many, many people who have been touched by this crisis.”

In 2024, about seven in every 10 decedents were between the ages of 30 and 59, and nearly three-quarters were male. The rate of death among females in 2024 is 20 per 100,000. This is an increase of 65% from 2020 (13 per 100,000) and a slight reduction from 2023 (21 per 100,000).

As in years prior, the drug-toxicity crisis affected cities of all sizes in 2024. By Local Health Area, the highest rates of death per 100,000 were in Vancouver-Centre North (422), Lillooet (116), Greater Campbell River (109), Terrace (109) and Prince George (103).

Fentanyl and its analogues continue to be the primary driver of unregulated drug toxicity deaths in B.C., detected in 78% of expedited toxicological testing in 2024. Cocaine (52%), fluorofentanyl (46%), methamphetamine (43%) and bromazolam (41%) were the other most common substances detected in expected toxicology.

It’s important to note that the data from the report is preliminary and subject to change as additional toxicology results are received and investigations are concluded, the chief coroner said.

Since the public health emergency was first declared in April 2016, the lives of at least 16,047 people in B.C. have been lost to unregulated drug toxicity.

HEALTH Minister Josie Osborne, in response to the BC Coroners Service report said: “Today, we acknowledge the 2,253 people in British Columbia who lost their lives to poisoned drugs in 2024. Behind every number is a child, parent, sibling, friend or neighbour, and their loss is felt deeply by those who knew and loved them. The toxic-drug crisis also continues to take a heavy toll on the people working on the front lines who care for and support many of the people we’ve lost. We must continue to work together to prevent further heartbreak and save lives.

“This public health emergency touches every corner of our province. Addiction can be influenced by many factors, including housing challenges, the cost of living, mental and physical pain, and intergenerational trauma. By addressing these issues openly and expanding supports, we can help reduce the stigma around substance use and encourage individuals to seek help rather than struggle in addiction.

“Although there is a decrease in deaths, 152 in November 2024 and 147 in December 2024, this in no way diminishes grief that permeates our communities.

“Our government is continuing to expand mental-health and addictions care, including early intervention and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services, support and complex-care housing, and more. We are building up a seamless system of care so everyone, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, has access to the care they need.

“Most recently, we announced more substance-use treatment beds in communities throughout the province so more people can get the support they need. These beds are part of a record expansion of mental-health and substance-use care for those who need it most, including underserved groups and those in rural and remote communities.

“We know there is still more to do. By working together and continuing to expand life-saving services, more people can find their pathway to recovery.”