Opioid deaths drop in Alberta, provincial data indicates
The Alberta government says it is "cautiously optimistic" about new numbers on the province's opioid-related overdose deaths released this week.
Associate Minister of Mental Health and Wellness Mike Ellis announced Wednesday that there were 113 opioid-related deaths in Alberta in April, seven per cent lower than in March and 34 per cent lower than the province's peak in November 2021.
Ellis says the data comes as the province is continuing in its efforts for treatment and recovery for Albertans who are addicted to opioids.
"This includes funding more treatment spaces, breaking down financial barriers to treatment and creating a collaborative, seamless system that benefits all Albertans who need help," he said.
"We are also supporting harm reduction initiatives like the Digital Overdose Response System, a mobile app that provides emergency medical response to anyone who overdoses while using alone that is now available province wide."
The statistics are also being released after news of a $150 million settlement from Purdue Pharma Canada, the manufacturer of opioid-based pain medication, with all of Canada's provinces and territories.
The B.C.-based lawsuit was launched in 2018 against more than 40 drug companies with the goal of recovering health-care costs.
British Columbia Attorney General David Eby called it the largest settlement of a government health-care cost claim in Canadian history.
He added the money will be put toward programs created to fight the opioid epidemic.
While there are no details on how much of the settlement money will come to Alberta, Eliis said the province remains in a "crisis."
"We support this proposed settlement and will continue to cooperate with Purdue Canada in the months to come," he said in a statement.
"The roots of the crisis began years ago, with the high rate of opioid prescriptions for acute and chronic pain. Many of these drugs were diverted into our communities, ending up in the hands of people who would later suffer from addiction."
Ellis says the goverment's goal continues to be to offer Albertans with addictions an opportunity to recover.
(With files from The Canadian Press)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.