Ottawa – On International Overdose Awareness Day, Canadian ministers reflected on the devastating and tragic impact of the toxic drug and overdose crisis, and remember those who have lost their lives, and their loved ones to an overdose.
They said: “It is a reminder that every person who overdoses is somebody who has a family and people that care about them and that we must take all actions at all levels to protect them. We have and will continue to listen to our partners, stakeholders, and the people and communities directly impacted by substance use. To all the community organizations, and health care providers across Canada, from the Downton Eastside in Vancouver, to Halifax, we thank you for your tireless, and relentless work to save lives and end this public health crisis. This is an incredibly complex issue that requires a full range of health and social services and supports to reduce substance use harms, and overdose deaths.
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to preventing or reducing overdose deaths. We need all four internationally recognized pillars of drug policy; prevention, harm reduction, treatment and enforcement in our response to this crisis. This can include a range of evidence-based options including harm reduction services, peer support, pain management services, treatment, and recovery, for those who are ready for it. Everyone’s journey is different and our approach needs to recognize the risks and opportunities to offer supports across the spectrum of substance use in order to save lives. We are also committed to reducing the stigma and barriers to services and supports for people who use substances. Stigma kills because it causes people to hide their use, use alone, and avoid seeking help for them or those around them for fear of judgment or consequences.
“Through Budget 2023, we have announced nearly $200 billion to improve health care, which includes efforts to integrate mental health and substance use care throughout the entire health care system. We will continue to work with all levels of government, partners, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, people with lived and living experience, and organizations in communities across the country to save lives and reduce substance use related harms.
“But, we can’t end this crisis alone. We encourage everyone to take time to learn the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, and to carry naloxone. An overdose is always an emergency. You should always call for help. Naloxone kits are available at most pharmacies, and have successfully reversed thousands of overdoses across Canada. Together, we will continue to work toward addressing and ending the overdose crisis. Let’s reduce the stigma and educate ourselves so we can save lives.” – Ya’ara Saks, P.C., M.P., Mark Holland, P.C., M.P.