08/31/2026
Today is International Overdose Awareness Day.
This year’s theme—25 Years On. Still Needed.—is a painful reminder that this crisis is far from over.
During the first half of 2026, 776 people died from toxic drugs in British Columbia. That is lower than the 926 deaths recorded during the same period last year—but it still means more than four lives lost every day.
The numbers tell us more:
➡️ 68% of those who died were between 30 and 59 years old.
➡️ 75% were men.
➡️ 81% of deaths occurred indoors, including in private residences, supportive housing, SROs and shelters.
➡️ 53% occurred in private residences.
Here in Greater Victoria, Island Health has issued toxic-drug warnings following spikes in emergency-department visits. Royal Jubilee Hospital has experienced sudden surges of overdose-related patients as the unregulated drug supply becomes increasingly potent and unpredictable. This crisis affects not only those at immediate risk, but also hospitals, healthcare workers, first responders, outreach workers, families, friends and entire communities.
To everyone grieving today: I am sending you my love. I will continue to advocate for a more compassionate and effective system for everyone affected by this tragedy.
We can do better. We must do better.
International Overdose Awareness Day. 25 Years On. Still Needed.
