Nearly 1,700 Albertans died from drug-poisoning in 2023: Alberta Health
According to the latest data released by the province, 149 Albertans died from drug-poisoning deaths in October 2023, bringing the year’s total to 1,692.
When comparing only the first 10 months of the year, 2023 has a higher number of deaths than any other year.
According to the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System (ASUSS) with 1,692 deaths so far, 2023 has fewer total deaths than both 2022, and 2021, however data for November and December of last year has not yet been released by the province.
Of the 149 newly reported deaths, 144, or 97 per cent involved opioids. All but 127 of the 1,692 drug-poisoning deaths reported in Alberta during 2023 did not involve opioids.
Based on reports done on more than 800 people who died of accidental drug-poisoning last year, Fentanyl was present in 79 per cent of deaths, Methamphetamine in 63 per cent and Carfentanil in 23 percent.
The age group with the highest number of drug-poisonings in 2023 were between the ages of 35 to 39 years of age. Sixty-nine per cent of those were male.
From a geographical standpoint, 58 of October's 149 deaths were in Edmonton, 44 were in Calgary and the other 47 occurred elsewhere in the province.
Of the more than 1,600 drug-poisoning deaths reported in 2023 thus far, 36 per cent have occurred in Edmonton, and 33 percent in Calgary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.