Calgary, Alberta

Katie H’s Story

“I have to say, I love naloxone. I like to look at it as giving someone a second chance—an accidental poisoning can be extreme and overwhelming. Sometimes a person thinks they’re taking one substance, but it’s laced with another.”

Calgary, Alberta

Sarah’s Story

“We're all one or two decisions away from being in the shoes of individuals that often people stigmatize."

Calgary, Alberta

Jasneet C’s Story

“There are a lot of misconceptions about people who are suffering from addiction—that it's because of the bad decisions that they made."

Calgary, Alberta

Charlene W’s Story

“Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It affects all walks of life, cultural backgrounds, education levels.”

Calgary, Alberta

Capri R’s Story

“Problematic substance use disorder can happen to anyone at any time, at any age. It’s all ages, all cultures."

Source: CBC

Canada

For these MPs, the opioid crisis is personal

The lives of millions of Canadians have been touched by the toxic drug crisis, including some politicians who have seen the damage opioids can cause in their own lives, even as they attempt to legislate on the issue.

Vancouver, British Columbia

A’s Story

“I didn't think I would become addicted at 15, but I did just by trying it once.”

Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

M’s Story

“You’re going to get a bad batch. Anything pill or anything powder cannot be trusted.”

Kelowna, British Columbia

Ryland’s Story

“If these stories help even one person, it's worth it.”

Source: CBC

Canada

For these MPs, the opioid crisis is personal

The lives of millions of Canadians have been touched by the toxic drug crisis, including some politicians who have seen the damage opioids can cause in their own lives, even as they attempt to legislate on the issue.

Source: CBC

Hope, British Columbia

Cultivating hope: Meet the community leaders trying to curb toxic drug deaths in Hope, B.C.

Community members share how opioid overdose deaths have shaped life in Hope and advocate for wraparound services.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Joseph F’s Story

“I take solace in creating a legacy for Harlan — not to be remembered as a drug addict, but to be remembered as a kid who just made one bad choice."

Source: CBC

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Broadcaster Scott Oake hopes his advocacy can spare other families the pain of drug addiction

A father and former territorial cabinet minister shares the story of the unexpected loss of his son, and works to build awareness around the dangers of fentanyl in the drug supply.

Moncton, New Brunswick

Shannon’s Story

“People can get into an accident and get prescribed opiates in a medical setting. But then they might become dependent on that opioid, especially if it ends up helping them cope with other things going on in their lives.”

Moncton, New Brunswick

Dillon’s Story

“I don't think people necessarily set out to end up that way. But it's like . . . you just get into a car accident, and then your whole life is now on this path that could lead to ruin."

Source: CBC

New Brunswick

N.B. reports record-high opioid deaths involving fentanyl in 2023

The number of opioid overdoses in New Brunswick, many of which were fentanyl-related, reached a record high in 2023.

Source: CBC

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Stigma around opioid deaths needs to change, say medical professionals

Heathcare workers and harm reduction groups call for action to address stigma surrounding opioid dependency and overdose.

Source: CBC

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

He died alone of a drug overdose. His mother wants to save others from the same fate

A mother shares the story of the loss of her son after a battle with addiction in hopes of raising awareness and saving others from the same fate.

Source: CBC

Hay River, Northwest Territories

A former N.W.T. MLA lost his son to fentanyl. He wants to talk about it

A father and former territorial cabinet minister shares the story of the unexpected loss of his son, and works to build awareness around the dangers of fentanyl in the drug supply.

Source: CBC

Hay River, Northwest Territories

Hay River, N.W.T., looks for ways to tackle deadly opioid crisis

Unprecedented flooding events, existing social issues, and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are factors residents say may be contributing to the opioid overdose crisis in Hay River. Elders and community members from all walks of life are coming together to share stories and offer support to fellow residents.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

B’s Story

“I am haunted by what happened to my family."

Source: CBC

Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia

RCMP visiting Halifax schools after teen dies of suspected overdose

Following the suspected overdose of a teen in October 2023, police spoke to staff at local schools to raise awareness for the signs of opioid overdose and the availability of naloxone.

Source: Nunavut News

Nunavut

Darrell Taylor: Things were looking promising as my son tried to beat his addiction, but were they really?

Darrell Taylor’s son, Gage, became dependent on heroine after an accident, getting hit by a car. Darrell maintained a strict no judgement policy, and instead showed his son support. While Gage’s journey with recovery is ongoing, Darrell has seen positive signs that give him hope for a lasting sobriety.

Source: Nunavut News

Nunavut

Nunavummiuq recalls addictions struggle and journey to sobriety

Moses Totalik started using substances after a breakup, and from there spiraled into a cycle of abuse. Now, he is sharing his story to help others in the same position that he was in.

Oshawa, Ontario

Chris C’s Story

“Life and death were two very realistic coexisting possibilities depending on the decisions I made moving forward.”

Hamilton, Ontario

Scott’s Story

“Part of getting sober is looking back and thinking to myself, why did I make it through? I made it through for a reason."

Ottawa, Ontario

Shawn M’s Story

"The day my son woke up from an overdose was the day I woke up to what was happening."

Port Severn, Ontario

Connie’s Story

“These are real people who are in trouble and need help. One of the root causes of misusing opioids comes down to childhood trauma.”

St. Catherines, Ontario

Holly S’s Story

“I think it's the stigma and the fear people face, admitting and talking to people about their addiction, that holds them back from being open and honest about what's going on.”

Hamilton, Ontario

Shannon McLoughlin on Supporting Patients and Families in Crisis

Social worker Shannon McLoughlin has worked with marginalized communities for most of her career.

London, Ontario

Charlene Bingham on How Tribal Communities Are Addressing the Opioid Crisis

Indigenous communities have been some of the hardest hit by the opioid crisis.

Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Joel Moody on Creating Safer Workplaces

Stress and other challenges often follow us into the workplace, and for those struggling with opioid dependency, the risks can be even more serious.

Toronto, Ontario

Jessica Liebster on Aging During the Opioid Crisis

Older adults are highly impacted by the opioid crisis and often overlooked.

Ingersoll, Ontario

Mary Nguyen on Aging During the Opioid Crisis

Mary Nguyen has worked as a pharmacist in very rural communities in Ontario.

Source: CBC

Canada

For these MPs, the opioid crisis is personal

The lives of millions of Canadians have been touched by the toxic drug crisis, including some politicians who have seen the damage opioids can cause in their own lives, even as they attempt to legislate on the issue.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Brad’s Story

“There's always going to be stigma with it. I'm still painted with that brush and it's never going to come off. But everybody deserves a chance. If you’re struggling or know someone who is, reach out and talk. You don't even have to talk about the specific problem. Knowing that there’s someone to sit with you and listen to you and just be there for you. That can be a big help in itself.”

Source: CBC

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Former user now helping Islanders fight addiction: ‘You’re not alone in this’

A woman uses her past experiences with substance dependency and an opioid overdose to help others, becoming a certified drug and alcohol treatment specialist after five years in recovery.

Montreal, Québec

Patrick’s Story

“When opportunities arise, point out the risk and have a conversation with those around you. Even if it’s just one conversation, you could save a life. It’s so important. Nothing is more important.”

Source: CBC

Montreal, Quebec

Drug overdose deaths in Canada are dropping. So why is Quebec nearing a record high?

The number of overdose deaths is rising in Quebec, despite a downward trend in much of North America. Experts weigh in on the factors impacting opioid overdose fatalities in the province.

Source: CBC

Montreal, Quebec

Death of 15-year-old from synthetic opioid should be ‘sounding the alarm,’ says Quebec coroner

Following the death of a 15-year-old boy from opioid poisoning, local officials and his father raise the need for more programming and tools to prevent teen overdose deaths.

Regina, Saskatchewan

Robert’s Story

“Now that I have the voice and I can use it, it's about teaching others that their voice matters too, and reminding them that they have the ability to be heard.”

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Norma’s Story

“I think we need to take stigma away so people can reach out, so they don't have to hide what they struggle with or what's hurting them.”

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Chantel’s Story

“I wanted to give back to the community and surround people with the love that I needed when I was stuck on the streets and active in my addiction.”

Source: CBC

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

This entire family died of suspected overdoses. Those left say parents with addictions need more support

A 1-year-old and both of her parents tragically died from opioid overdose in 2023. Both grandmothers are speaking out to raise awareness about the opioid crisis and help support families struggling with opioid dependency.

Source: CBC

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

High number of drug-related deaths reported for first 2 months of 2024 in Saskatchewan

Following alarming rates of drug overdose deaths in early 2024, harm reduction advocates in Saskatchewan offered perspective on the state of the crisis in the province.

Source: CBC

Canada

For these MPs, the opioid crisis is personal

The lives of millions of Canadians have been touched by the toxic drug crisis, including some politicians who have seen the damage opioids can cause in their own lives, even as they attempt to legislate on the issue.

Source: CBC

Whitehorse, Yukon

Every death is personal on the frontlines of Yukon’s opioid crisis

The Yukon government, First Nations, and local groups have taken action to address the crisis and offer support, but the crisis is far from over.