‘No single solution’ as B.C. marks 10 years since toxic drug crisis declared public health emergency

More than 18,000 people have died in B.C. scene a public health emergency was declared a decade ago. What’s changed? What still needs to?

Health officials in B.C. are marking 10 years since the toxic drug crisis was declared a public health emergency—calling attention to the lives lost and the ongoing impact on families and communities.

In a statement Monday, B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne said toxic drugs have had a far-reaching impact since being declared a crisis on April 14, 2016. Since then, more than 18,000 people have died from drug overdoses.

“This crisis is impacting our entire province, as well as Canada and North America, and has been filled with heartbreak, fear and grief for families, friends and colleagues,” she said. “Each person lost was once a child, someone with a story and a future, a life cut short and a loss families and communities will carry forever.”

Osborne added that substance use often stems from mental and physical health challenges, highlighting the importance of reducing stigma and improving access to support.

“No one sets out intending to become addicted,” she said. “That is why we continue to fight stigma and break down barriers to keep people alive and ensure they can access the help they need.”

Osborne said while there’s no “single solution” to the toxic drug crisis, efforts over the past decade have focused on reducing harm and expanding access to care.

“Working across government and with partners, these actions reduce substance-related harms, increase prevention and education and expand access to treatment, supportive housing and other supports,” she said.

Other supports she points to include overdose prevention services, take-home naloxone, drug checking and digital tools allowing for a faster response to overdoses.

“Together, these efforts alongside other factors, such as changes to the drug supply, have contributed to the declining number of deaths caused by toxic drugs from 2,315 in 2024 to 1,826 in 2025,” said Osborne.

According to data from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, nearly 80 per cent of the 49,560 potential deaths recorded between January 2019 and October 2025 were prevented with take home naloxone (39,960), observed consumption sites (17,060) and opioid agonist treatment (23,520).

“But even one death is too many, and as this emergency continues to evolve, people are still experiencing harms associated with toxic drug poisoning. This means our work is nowhere near done,” said Osborne.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also weighed in on the sombre anniversary, saying the crisis has become more dangerous over time due to an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply.

“The emergency has been exacerbated by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, gaps in the health-care system, housing instability and homelessness, poverty, the impacts of colonialism and racism, criminalization and stigma, as well as other determinants of health,” Henry said.

Henry added that those working in trades, men and Indigenous people continue to be disproportionately affected by toxic drug overdoses and deaths.

“Many of those we are losing do not have substance use disorders, underscoring how unpredictable and dangerous the drug supply has become,” said Henry. “Recovery looks different for everybody and there is no single approach that will end this crisis.”

Henry said the crisis remains a public health emergency and is calling for a continued response “rooted in compassion, respect and evidence.”

“We must continue to take new and innovative approaches that meet people where they are, expanding access to safer alternatives to the unregulated drug supply alongside existing treatments,” she said. “This work must be done in partnership with people with lived and living experience and through meaningful partnerships with Indigenous people, ensuring solutions are shaped by those most affected and grounded in respect, rights and self-determination.”

The First Nations Health Authority echoed Henry’s statement, saying the toxic drug crisis continues to deeply affect communities across the province.

“Since 2016, the toxic drug public health emergency has changed the lives of many and continues to disproportionately affect First Nations communities across British Columbia,” said Dr. Nel Wieman, chief medical officer of the FNHA.

“I must acknowledge the positive impact of First Nations led harm reduction efforts. The data shows that lives are saved through connection and culture and when programs and services are community led. The FNHA will continue to provide culturally safe harm reduction supports, as we walk hand-in-hand with First Nations people through this crisis.”