Question Period Note: Overdose Crisis

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KEY MESSAGES
• The toxic drug and overdose crisis continues to be one of Canada’s most pressing public health challenges.
• The devastating impact of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids has touched every corner of our country and claimed over 50,000 lives.
• Our government is investing in tackling drug trafficking and investing in vital services such as treatment and mental health care within provinces and territories.
• This includes investing in a Youth Mental Health Fund that will help community health organizations provide more care to younger Canadians.
• It also includes investing in an Emergency Treatment Fund that is supporting municipalities and Indigenous communities to respond to critical needs related to the overdose crisis.
• This Government is building on these and other recent successes and working with provinces and territories, focusing on destigmatization, prevention, treatment, and recovery.
IF PRESSED …
Q1 : If pressed on federal funding for prescribed alternatives

A1 :
• Prescribed alternative services provide medications, as an alternative to the illegal drug supply, to help prevent overdoses and can connect people to medical and social services.
• Health Canada does not deliver these services. They are administered by healthcare professionals regulated by provinces, territories, and professional regulatory colleges.
• Health Canada funded pilot projects until March 31, 2025, to assess potential benefits and risks, and continues to evaluate available evidence.
Q2 : If pressed on involuntary treatment for substance use

A2 :
· People struggling with substance use issues deserve access to evidence-based care.
· They need services that are accessible when people and families need them. Tragically, this is not the case today.
· We will work with the provinces and territories to help expand access to evidence-based treatment and recovery programs.
· Through the Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF), we are providing funding to communities to rapidly respond to critical needs related to this crisis.
· We are adding an additional $500 million to help connect more people to critical treatment services.
Q3 : If pressed on diversion of controlled substances from prescribed alternatives programs

A3 :
· Diversion of controlled substances is illegal, and something we take very seriously.
· All medical activities involving controlled substances are subject to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its regulations, including compliance with laws and regulations regarding storage, transport, and measures to prevent diversion.
· Governments, health care professionals and law enforcement share the responsibility of reducing the risk of diversion and to take action when it occurs.

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· Most recent national data indicates that 50,928 apparent opioid toxicity deaths occurred between January 2016 and September 2024.
· Opioid toxicity deaths from January to September 2024 are 12% lower than the same period in 2023.
· Toxicity of the illegal drug supply continues to be a major driver of the crisis with 75% of accidental apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2024 (January to September) involving fentanyl.