VICTORIA, BC: Another 302 British Columbians died from drug overdose in July and August, pushing this year’s total to 1,218 deaths, one of the highest sustained death rates since the drug crisis began nearly a decade ago. Conservative Opposition Critics say the NDP’s so-called “safe supply” and decriminalization agenda have resulted in thousands of deaths and only served to exacerbate the crisis.
“We’re nearly a decade into this crisis, and BC is still losing people at one of the highest rates on record,” said MLA Claire Rattée, Critic for Mental Health and Addictions. “This is proof that this government’s approach is failing. Normalizing drug use while neglecting treatment and accountability has only made things worse.”
The crisis is deepening among young people, with 21 youth deaths reported so far this year. “This isn’t just a policy failure, it’s a moral one,” MLA Rattée said. “The NDP are normalizing addiction instead of treating it, and our young people are suffering because they still lack access to real mental health supports, prevention, and education.”
Nearly 80% of deaths continue to occur indoors, despite government claims that decriminalization would prevent people from dying alone at home. “That’s not safer use, that’s the same tragedy repeating behind closed doors,” Rattée added. “Men are disproportionately affected because too many are still afraid to reach out for help with their mental health.”
“The uncontrolled flow of drugs and NDP-sponsored drug use is tearing families apart and destroying communities,” added MLA Macklin McCall, Critic for Public Safety. “The government’s own statistics show the NDP drug experiment killed 302 British Columbians this summer, in July and August: That is 150 of our people lost each month.”
Marking World Mental Health Day, Rattée said the link between addiction and untreated mental illness can no longer be ignored. “Behind every overdose is a person who was struggling. Addiction is a mental health issue, not a moral failing. British Columbians deserve a plan that offers treatment, recovery, and real hope.”
“After five years of this government’s drug policies, there’s still no proof they’re saving lives,” Rattée said. “What we see instead is more death, more diversion, and more despair.”
-30-
Media Contact:
Francesca Guetchev, Communications Officer
Francesca.Guetchev@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948
