National overdose deaths decline and federal response expands

The toxic drug crisis continues to have devastating impacts on individuals, families, and communities across the country. While decreases in deaths and harms are encouraging, as highlighted in the latest national data on substance-related harms released earlier today, deaths remain higher than a decade ago and regional trends remain different across the country.

"Too many cities and communities are haunted by stories no one should have to tell. Those stories command our attention, actions and results. Over the last year, our new government has taken concrete steps to detect and disrupt the illegal drug trade, and to help people struggling with addictions. Despite some positive results, the fight against the toxic drug crisis is far from over."

The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health

"Every life lost to drug toxicity is a profound tragedy that leaves an enduring impact on families, friends, and communities. Over the past year, provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities across Canada have worked together to better understand this crisis and strengthen our collective response. While much work remains, these efforts have helped save lives and build a path toward a healthier future for all."

Dr. Joss Reimer
Chief Public Health Officer

"Organized crime is fueling the illegal drug supply and putting communities at risk across the country. Over the past year, we have strengthened enforcement and border security, supported by key legislative measures. We are working closely with domestic and international partners to disrupt organized crime networks, the flow of precursor chemicals, and the illicit finances that sustain them, while investing in prevention to stop crime before it starts. We will continue to use every tool available to protect Canadians and build safer, healthier communities for all."

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree
Minister of Public Safety

"Indigenous Peoples continue to be disproportionately impacted by the toxic drug crisis, a reality I hear directly from leaders, families, and service providers in their communities. Indigenous Services Canada is working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to strengthen comprehensive supports across the full continuum of care, from prevention and harm reduction to treatment and recovery. With targeted investments, including emergency funding, we are proud to support Indigenous-led, culturally grounded solutions that help communities meet urgent needs and build stronger systems of care over time."

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services Canada

"Today's data release tells us that collective action is saving lives. While it is encouraging to see the national rates of drug toxicity deaths in decline, we know there is much more work to be done. We are deploying all the tools at the federal government's disposal and working collaboratively with other levels of government, law enforcement and communities to continue making progress and staying ahead of criminal organizations who profit off harming Canadians."

Kevin Brosseau
Canada's Fentanyl Czar

• Due to factors including naloxone distribution and changes in the drug supply, national rates of drug toxicity deaths declined by 23% in 2025 compared to 2024.

• Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service provides scientific and technical services to support Canadian law enforcement agencies and public health partners in their activities involving illicit drugs.

• A new public education campaign targeting young adults launched on June 12, 2026. The campaign will run on various digital and social media channels for six weeks.

• During the 2025-26 fiscal year, the ETF provided over $70 million to more than 90 projects supporting municipalities and Indigenous communities across Canada. During the 2025-26 fiscal year, SUAP provided over $75 million to more than 90 projects supporting municipalities and Indigenous communities across Canada.

• In August 2025, $2.9 million was announced through the Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP) to support four projects in Alberta and Ontario. In November 2025, an additional $6 million was announced through the YSUPP to support nine community projects across Canada, to expand their prevention efforts and strengthen local initiatives.

Related products

• Backgrounder: Targeted initiatives to respond to the illegal drug crisis

Associated links

• Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy
• 2026-27 Departmental Plan
• Emergency Treatment Fund
• Substance Use and Addictions Program
• Youth Substance Use Prevention Program
• National Wastewater Drug Surveillance (NWDS)
• Drug Analysis Service
• Know More Opioids
• Reduce Your Risk

Alexandre Bergeron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health
[email protected]

Media Relations
Health Canada
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