Tragedy continues to strike B.C., as well as Burnaby, as the province struggles with an ongoing overdose crisis.
According to the latest data from the BC Coroners Service released today (Nov. 9), 152 lives were lost across the province from suspected illicit drug toxicity deaths.
The total is the highest number of suspected deaths ever recorded in the month of September.
In Burnaby this year, there have been 58 deaths according to the new data, which is the highest number recorded from 2011 to 2021.
In 2021 thus far, there have been 1,534 deaths recorded, which is a 24 per cent increase in the number of deaths that were recorded from in 2020 between January to September (1,240).
Combining the 181 deaths recorded in August as well as September's total, there were roughly 5.5 deaths per day.
Deaths in Burnaby for the past 10 years are as follows:
- 2021 = 58
- 2020 = 57
- 2019 = 29
- 2018 = 49
- 2017 = 44
- 2016 = 40
- 2015 = 15
- 2014 = 11
- 2013 = 13
- 2012 = 10
- 2011 = 10
"Once again, we are reporting record numbers of deaths in our province due to the toxic illicit drug supply," BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a statement.
"The tremendous loss being felt by families and communities across B.C. as they mourn loved ones lost far too soon, is heartbreaking."
The townships in B.C. experiencing the highest number of illicit drug deaths this year are Vancouver, Surrey and Victoria.
"Our province is in the sixth year of this public health emergency, and the death rate due to toxic drugs has never been higher," Lapointe added.
"Urgent action on a number of fronts is required, including much broader access to safe supply, more readily available and efficient drug-checking services, and a shift from a law-enforcement focus to a health-centred approach.
"The Province's application to the federal government to decriminalize possession of illicit drugs for personal use is an essential step to address the drug toxicity crisis. Criminalizing those who use substances has done nothing to address this complex health issue and has resulted in greater suffering and marginalization. How many more deaths are we willing to accept to maintain drug policies and laws that have no basis in evidence?"
The BC Coroners Service says deaths from drug toxicity remain the leading cause of unnatural deaths in the province.
