13% decrease in toxic drug deaths last year, B.C. coroner’s data shows

The latest data on toxic drug deaths in B.C. shows 13 per cent fewer last year than in 2023.

There was a significant decrease in the number of deaths from toxic drugs in B.C. last year, according to data released Tuesday.

While the toxic, unregulated supply of illicit drugs killed 2,253 people last year, that number represents 13 per cent fewer fatalities in 2024 and a lower annual total than any of the previous three years, the B.C. Coroner’s Service said.

Health Minister Josie Osborne, in a statement responding to the data, noted the decrease.

“This in no way diminishes grief that permeates our communities,” she said.

“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.”

Tuesday’s report includes data from November and December of 2024, showing 152 deaths and 147, respectively. Those totals equate to 5.1 deaths per day and 4.7 deaths per day, on average – significantly lower than the 7.1 deaths per day recorded in January.

Males continue to account for roughly three quarters of deaths, although the service notes that the death rate for females have been steadily rising since 2020.

As has been the case throughout the public health emergency, the vast majority of people are dying at home and indoors, with outdoor deaths accounting for 19 per cent of the overall toll.

Fentanyl continues to be detected in more than 80 per cent of deaths, and smoking is the most common mode of consumption.

Toxic drugs continue to be the number one cause of unnatural death in the province. Since a public health emergency was declared in 2016, more than 16,000 people have died.