Public Health Agency of Canada

There is an increasing concern about a range of wider impacts of the pandemic response. Among these is the impact on problematic substance use. Feelings of isolation, stress and anxiety, lack of a regular schedule, boredom and limited available or accessible services for people who use substances...

This article highlights initiatives undertaken by federal partners to address the opioid crisis in Canada. The need for novel surveillance approaches that improve the collection and harmonization of drug-related data is also discussed.

"The opioid crisis has affected every part of the country, but there are clear differences in death rates and the substances involved across provinces and territories. According to data reported as of March 22, 2018: in 2016, there were 2,946 apparent opioid-related deaths in Canada 88% were...