Saskatoon sees 20 overdose deaths since January

Primary care paramedics with the Saskatoon Fire Department are equipped with naloxone, which can restore breathing to someone experiencing a fentanyl or opioid overdose. (Alex Pankratz/CTV Saskatoon)

Data from Saskatchewan Coroners Service (SCS) shows 210 people have died from overdose in Saskatchewan since January, including 20 in Saskatoon.

This represents an eight per cent decrease from last year, with 229 overdoses in Saskatchewan.

A point-in-time report from Jan. 1 to July 31 by the SCS shows 96 deaths in 2025 are confirmed as drug toxicity deaths, with 114 others suspected to be drug toxicity deaths.

SCS’ statistics show Para-fluorofentanyl has been the biggest contributor to these deaths, claiming the lives of 40 people. It’s followed by fentanyl with 33 deaths, and carfentanyl with 30 deaths.

Other substances involved include methylfentanyl (29 deaths,) acetyl fentanyl (10 deaths,) methadone (six deaths,) codeine (five deaths,) morphine (four deaths,) and hydromorphone (three deaths.)

“These are not just numbers - they represent family members, friends, and neighbors, each deeply missed,” Prairie Harm Reduction said. “While overdoses continue to devastate families across Saskatchewan, governments at all levels have remained largely silent. That silence is not acceptable. The overdose epidemic cannot be addressed in isolation - the province, municipalities, and frontline organizations must work together if we are to save lives.”

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Saskatoon saw a surge in overdose calls in March, with over 435 incidents in just 18 days.

“There would be a worry that the [fentanyl] supply could get to Regina, or Prince Albert, or across the across the province,” Saskatoon Police Insp. Erin Coates said in a press conference in March, when police arrested 25 people related to fentanyl trafficking.

To honour those lost, Prairie Harm Reduction will host a vigil Aug. 31 in Saskatoon, which also marks International Overdose Awareness Day.