Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to mourn those we've lost and to recognize the devastating impacts of the illegal drug crisis on our families and communities.
The illegal drug crisis continues to have significant impacts on individuals, families, friends, and communities across Canada. We know that when pain goes unmanaged, it can take a heavy toll on people's mental and physical health, impacting individuals, families and communities alike. Unmanaged pain can also sometimes lead people to turn to harmful ways to manage their pain, like higher-risk substance use.
Substance-related harms are influenced by a range of occupational, economic, social and systemic factors, including the ongoing impacts of colonialism. These factors contribute to differences in health outcomes across populations. As a result, some groups experience a disproportionate burden of substance use and addiction, including people employed in physically demanding occupations and Indigenous communities. Men also continue to experience a disproportionate burden of opioid-related harms, including higher rates of opioid overdoses in Canada, underscoring the importance of targeted approaches to address the health needs of men and boys.
Addressing this complex crisis requires strong, coordinated efforts across governments, sectors, and communities. Together, we are taking action to address the health, social and economic impacts of the illegal drug crisis, while also targeting the criminals profiting from harming Canadians. We are accomplishing this through a range of federal initiatives and investments, including the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, Canada's Border Plan, the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act (Bill C-12) and by investing significantly to strengthen law enforcement capacity. Recognizing that housing plays an important role in supporting health and well-being, the Government of Canada is also investing through Canada's National Housing Strategy to improve access to safe, affordable housing. For instance, Build Canada Homes will deploy $1 billion to build transitional and supportive housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It will collaborate with key provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous partners to pair these federal investments with employment and health care supports.
Together with international partners, provinces, territories and Indigenous communities, we are supporting urgent substance use and addiction services, social supports, and culturally grounded programs that save lives every day. Currently, the Substance Use and Addictions Program is providing over $225 million to more than 75 community-based initiatives, while the Emergency Treatment Fund is providing over $72 million to more than 60 projects supporting municipalities and Indigenous communities across Canada.
To help youth make informed choices and access supports that meet their needs, the Government of Canada is working directly with communities to develop tailored approaches to substance use prevention for youth through the Youth Substance Use Prevention Program. Public education campaigns continue to raise awareness of opioids and overdose prevention through targeted initiatives, including the "Know More Opioids" and "Reduce Your Risk" events for secondary and post-secondary students across Canada.
The Government is also investing approximately $768M in 2026-2027 for Indigenous mental wellness, including support for Indigenous-led, community-based, and culturally relevant substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Indigenous Services Canada supports a continuum of substance use care that includes mental wellness promotion, prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery that is Indigenous-led, community-based, and culturally relevant.
These efforts, coupled with those at provincial/territorial and municipal levels, are making a real difference. Canada saw a 23% national decrease in opioid toxicity deaths in 2025 compared to the previous year. While this downward trend is a step in the right direction, our work is far from over, and certain regions and communities remain disproportionately impacted.
Community workers, first responders and health and social service organizations help save lives every day. On this day - Overdose Awareness Day - we thank them for their unwavering commitment to supporting Canadians affected by substance use.
Every Canadian can help save a life by learning what to do in case of an opioid overdose:
- Know the signs
- Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number
- Give naloxone if you have it
- Stay with the person until help arrives
