Opioid Deaths Continue to Rise; Lack of Housing Seen as Contributing Factor
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Opioid overdose deaths continue to climb across Canada, with nearly 4,000 in the first half of 2023 - up 5% from 2022. Fentanyl is involved in 84% of deaths.
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Lack of affordable housing has made the opioid crisis more visible, with more people using and overdosing in public spaces.
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Canada pledged to cut homelessness by 50% by 2028 under the National Housing Strategy, but has no data to show progress so far.
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"Housing first" approaches that combine housing and supports are seen as the best way to tackle chronic homelessness and addiction.
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Possible solutions include more rent subsidies, better income supports, increased access to mental health services, and an increased police presence downtown.