Tuesday marks 10 years since British Columbia declared a public health emergency over the overdose crisis, a decade that has seen over 18,000 lives lost. Memorial events are planned across the province, including a rally at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria organized by advocacy groups like Moms Stop the Harm.
The emergency declaration was issued in April 2016, following a sharp rise in illicit drug deaths. The crisis has since intensified, with annual deaths climbing from hundreds to over 2,000.
Advocates express concern that the urgency of the declaration has waned and that government willingness to utilize its powers has diminished. Recent policy shifts, including ending a drug decriminalization pilot and rolling back safer supply policies, are noted.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry suggested political pressure influenced the decision to end the three-year decriminalization trial. Health Minister Josie Osborne acknowledged the need for continued government action, committing to ongoing harm-reduction services and expanding treatment systems.
Despite a 21% decrease in overdose deaths last year compared to 2024, the toll remains nearly four times that of 2014.