The Special Advisory Committee on Toxic Drug Poisonings says the harm from opioids remains very high.

That despite the fact opioid-related deaths dropped in the first six months of 2024.

From January to June, there were 3,787 opioid-related deaths, or an average of 21 per day.

During the same period there were 13,287 opioid-related emergency department visits and 2,846 hospitalizations.

Overall, there were 18,792 emergency medical responses.

The federal minister for Mental Health and Addictions Ya’ara Saks says, “All orders of government must work together to ensure health and social supports are available, so people get the help they need, when they need it the most, no matter where they live.”

“We are committed to working with all partners to analyze this data, invest in approaches that save lives, and keep communities safe.”

Fentanyl remains the most common opioid in drug samples by police.