NDP MP Blaney questions government about toxic drug overdoses

Powell River, BC — With Canada in the midst of an opioid overdose crisis, Rachel Blaney (NDP MP North Island - Powell River) is urging the government to create a plan for toxic drug harm reduction and treatment. Speaking in the House of Commons during Question Period on Feb. 2, Blaney noted that in her riding, Campbell River recorded a disastrous year for drug overdoses.

“Toxic drug overdoses have devastated countless communities, like in my riding,” Blaney said. “Campbell River just witnessed the worst year on record for toxic drug-related deaths, having the fifth-highest rate of deaths in British Columbia.”

In Campbell River, 47 people died as a result of drug use in 2023. That’s the deadliest year since 2016, when a drug toxicity public health emergency was declared. It’s also 16 more deaths than in 2022, and puts the Greater Campbell River area among the highest toxic drug death rates in the province.

“People need a plan and a federal government willing to act,” Blaney said. “Liberals drag their feet and offer up patchwork plans while Conservatives try to criminalize our loved ones who are struggling. Canada needs a health-based plan for harm reduction and treatment with a timeline. What is the hold up?”

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