China News Agency, Toronto, June 24 (Reporter Yu Ruidong) The latest surveillance data and data model prediction report released by the Canadian Public Health Department shows that the number of deaths and injuries caused by opioids in the country is increasing year by year.

This situation has continued to deteriorate during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this trend will continue.

　　The Public Health Agency of Canada released surveillance data on opioid and stimulant-related injuries in the country from 2016 to 2021.

The analysis admits that the overdose crisis is a major public health problem in the country.

　　In 2021, a total of 7,560 opioid-related deaths will occur in Canada, reaching a historical peak of 21 per day.

In 2016, the figure was 8 per day.

Opioid-related hospitalizations increased from 13 per day in 2016 to 17 per day in 2021.

　　The vast majority of opioid-related deaths were classified as accidents, and more than half of them also involved the use of stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

　　The report shows that drug use rates among the homeless are higher than in the general population; homeless people are also overrepresented in drug-related deaths.

In 2016, an estimated 235,000 people were homeless in Canada, with an average of about 22,000 people staying in shelters every night.

　　Data modelling released at the same time by the Canadian Public Health Agency predicts that by the end of this year, the number of opioid-related deaths in the country may reach 1,400 to 2,400 per quarter, depending on the effectiveness of official interventions.

　　The Canadian Department of Public Health said the data released this time highlights the magnitude of drug-related harm in the country and the urgency of taking further action to strengthen prevention.

　　The federal government of Canada announced on May 31 that from the end of January 2023 to the end of January 2026, adults in the West Coast province of British Columbia (also translated as British Columbia) will be exempt from criminal charges for possession of drugs up to 2.5 grams for personal use. penalty.

That is, adults in possession of small quantities of drugs that are not used for trafficking, production, etc. will be exempt from arrest, prosecution or confiscation of the drugs.

　　The Canadian government said tackling the overdose crisis required "bold action and major policy changes" that would "reduce stigma and harm".

The official also stressed that "decriminalization" does not equal legalization.

　　Previously, in addition to British Columbia, the public health departments of Vancouver and Toronto have submitted applications to "decriminalize" possession of a small amount of drugs.

But the provincial government of Alberta, which borders B.C., has expressed strong opposition to the move by the federal government and B.C.

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