Opioid deaths fall by almost a quarter

Canada recorded a 23% fall in opioid-related deaths in 2025, helping save lives and showing the impact of stronger harm reduction and public health measures.

“The progress we are observing reflects combined efforts on several fronts, including expanding access to naloxone and improved surveillance of illicit drug supplies,” said Dr Joss Reimer, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer.

An average of 15 people died each day from opioid-related causes in 2025, down to 5,608 deaths from a peak of 8,040 in 2023. Stimulant-related deaths also fell by 31%, while Ontario recorded the largest provincial decline at 38.3%. The government has invested $145 million in 180 local support organisations, expanded drug analysis centres in Vancouver and Toronto, strengthened border measures and launched a national wastewater surveillance dashboard, with officials emphasising that continued cooperation and evidence-based approaches will be essential to sustain progress.