Quebec is on track to exceed 600 drug overdose fatalities for the second year in a row, prompting experts to renew calls for increased efforts to address this concerning trend. The Quebec Institute for Public Health (INSPQ) has recorded a total of 645 confirmed or suspected drug overdose deaths in 2024, marking the highest number ever documented in the province. Between January and September of 2025, the INSPQ has reported 453 deaths, projecting an estimated 604 deaths for the entire year. Professionals working directly with individuals facing drug addiction note a rising demand for assistance, while resources remain limited.
Anthony Berger, a clinical supervisor at Dunham House in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, highlights a 16% increase in applications for the English-language residential treatment facility for substance use and mental health in both 2024 and 2025. However, with only a 38-bed capacity, the facility struggles to accommodate all those in need. Berger emphasizes the necessity for the Quebec government to enhance funding for treatment centers that have faced cuts, stressing the importance of attracting skilled professionals to support individuals in need. He underscores the critical need for a comprehensive care approach, including social housing and drug supply safety, to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
While Quebec’s overdose statistics are notably lower than provinces like British Columbia, where over 2,000 deaths from toxic drugs were recorded in 2024, Patricia Conrod, a professor of psychiatry and addiction at the Université de Montréal, warns that Quebec’s numbers are trending differently compared to traditionally affected provinces like B.C. Conrod suggests that the decline in the opioid crisis in other provinces may be attributed to a reduction in the number of drug users due to previous high mortality rates. Quebec has not reached a similar saturation level yet, emphasizing the urgency to take proactive measures to prevent a worsening situation.
Acknowledging the evolving illicit drug market and the broader impact of drug contamination beyond opioids, Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services expresses concern over deaths related to opioids and other substances. Jade Lalumière, a social worker at the Maison Benoît-Labre shelter and supervised drug consumption site in Montreal, observes a worsening impact of addiction over the years. Lalumière underscores the challenges faced by addiction services due to public scrutiny and judgment, which can influence policies limiting access to crucial services and harm reduction approaches like safe-supply initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of supporting individuals struggling with addiction to prevent unnecessary loss of life and advocates for a compassionate approach to ensure their survival.