Since the start of the pandemic, Canadians are dying at a much higher rate than ever before of accidental apparent opioid toxicity – usually it’s methamphetamines and cocaine laced with fentanyl.

According to the latest Canadian statistics, there were 1,720 apparent opioid toxicity deaths during a three month period or 19 people a day (April to June 2021). This is a 66% increase from pre-pandemic 2019.

A number of key factors have likely contributed to the worsening opioid overdose crisis including the increasingly toxic drug supply, increased feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety, and limited availability or accessibility of services for people who use drugs.

Relieving the Pain: Canada’s Opioid Crisis' is a 1-hour special that addresses this alarming issue. We’ll hear from people who have survived multiple opioid overdoses and are now in recovery, those grieving the loss of a loved one who overdosed, and those on the front lines who are providing care during the crisis. We want to offer hope, support and resources to all those impacted by this growing epidemic.