A new report from the BC Coroners Service shows nearly 2,000 British Columbians died as a result of illicit drug use in the first 10 months of 2022..Keeping in line with the service’s previously released data, the report shines a light on the “continued dangers” that toxic drugs pose to users throughout the province..Now the leading cause of unnatural death in the province, second only to cancer in terms of years of life lost, the overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency in BC in 2016, and since then more than 10,600 British Columbians died as a result of illicit drugs..“Our government is expanding and evolving our response to this public health emergency as we strive to stop the terrible loss of life to the poisoned drug supply,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson..“While we have been adding new treatment and recovery services, expanding overdose prevention and working to end stigma about addiction, the increasing illicit drug toxicity has taken more lives.”.The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates a total of 26,690 opioid toxicity deaths occurred in Canada between January 2016 and September 2021 — with the majority in BC, Alberta, and Ontario..BC saw an average of 5.8 deaths per day in October..”The recommendations from both the Standing Committee on Health and two BC Coroners Service death review panels are clear: we must create a comprehensive continuum of care that supports people with substance-use disorders, and we must improve access to evidence-based options for treatment and recovery,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner..“Most importantly, as those reports recommended, it is imperative that access to safer supply is available in all areas of the province.”.READ MORE: Vancouver man to open store selling cocaine, crack, heroin, meth, and more.Beginning early next year, British Columbians can carry up to 2.5 grams of opioids, meth, cocaine, and more, without fear of criminal penalties..The exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) will be in effect from Jan. 31, 2023 to Jan. 31, 2026, throughout the entire province..BC is the first Canadian province to receive an exemption under the CDSA..This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
A new report from the BC Coroners Service shows nearly 2,000 British Columbians died as a result of illicit drug use in the first 10 months of 2022..Keeping in line with the service’s previously released data, the report shines a light on the “continued dangers” that toxic drugs pose to users throughout the province..Now the leading cause of unnatural death in the province, second only to cancer in terms of years of life lost, the overdose crisis was declared a public health emergency in BC in 2016, and since then more than 10,600 British Columbians died as a result of illicit drugs..“Our government is expanding and evolving our response to this public health emergency as we strive to stop the terrible loss of life to the poisoned drug supply,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Sheila Malcolmson..“While we have been adding new treatment and recovery services, expanding overdose prevention and working to end stigma about addiction, the increasing illicit drug toxicity has taken more lives.”.The Public Health Agency of Canada estimates a total of 26,690 opioid toxicity deaths occurred in Canada between January 2016 and September 2021 — with the majority in BC, Alberta, and Ontario..BC saw an average of 5.8 deaths per day in October..”The recommendations from both the Standing Committee on Health and two BC Coroners Service death review panels are clear: we must create a comprehensive continuum of care that supports people with substance-use disorders, and we must improve access to evidence-based options for treatment and recovery,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner..“Most importantly, as those reports recommended, it is imperative that access to safer supply is available in all areas of the province.”.READ MORE: Vancouver man to open store selling cocaine, crack, heroin, meth, and more.Beginning early next year, British Columbians can carry up to 2.5 grams of opioids, meth, cocaine, and more, without fear of criminal penalties..The exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) will be in effect from Jan. 31, 2023 to Jan. 31, 2026, throughout the entire province..BC is the first Canadian province to receive an exemption under the CDSA..This is what the Western Standard is up againstThe Trudeau government is funding lies and propaganda by directly subsidizing the mainstream media. They do this to entrench the powerful Eastern, woke and corrupt interests that dominate the political, social and economic institutions in Canada. Federal authorities are constantly trying to censor us and stop us from publishing the stories that they don’t want you to read. Ottawa may weaponize our taxes and police against us, but we’ve got a powerful ally on our side.You. Free men, and free women. We need you to stand with us and become a member of the Western Standard. Here’s what you will get for your membership:Unlimited access to all articles from the Western Standard, Alberta Report, West Coast Standard, and Saskatchewan Standard, with no paywall. Our daily newsletter delivered to your inbox. .Access to exclusive Member-only WS events.Keep the West’s leading independent media voice strong and free.If you can, please support us with a monthly or annual membership. It takes just a moment to set up, and you will be making a big impact on keeping one the last independent media outlets in Canada free from Ottawa’s corrupting influence.
