Canada recorded a significant year-over-year decline in overdose-related deaths and hospitalizations, according to newly released data from Health Canada, marking one of the most encouraging shifts in the country’s ongoing toxic drug crisis.
The report shows that between July 2024 and June 2025, opioids were linked to more than 6,100 deaths, while stimulants were associated with over 3,300 deaths nationwide. Compared with the previous 12-month period, opioid-related deaths dropped by 22 per cent and stimulant-related deaths fell by 38 per cent. Federal health officials say opioid deaths are now at their lowest observed level since 2020.
Despite the overall improvement, the Public Health Agency of Canada cautioned that the impact of the crisis continues to vary widely across provinces, municipalities and even neighbourhoods, with some communities still seeing rising harm and fatalities. The agency also noted that Indigenous peoples remain disproportionately affected by toxic drug deaths.
Health officials point to changes in the illegal drug supply as a major factor behind the decline. The agency reported a reduced presence of fentanyl and fewer high-risk drug combinations, particularly opioids mixed with benzodiazepines, which have been linked to a high risk of fatal overdose.
Wider access to naloxone has also played a key role. The medication, which rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses, has helped prevent deaths when administered in time, according to Health Canada.
The data also suggests a shift among younger Canadians. Fewer young people are using opioids, contributing to a decline in overdose deaths among young adults, particularly men aged 20 to 29. Health officials said this trend may reflect changing attitudes among youth, shaped by the widespread loss of life linked to the drug crisis.
Stimulant-related harms also declined. Hospitalizations related to stimulants dropped by 17 per cent compared to 2023–24, with just over 2,000 hospital admissions recorded between July 2024 and June 2025 — about six per day. Emergency departments reported nearly 5,000 stimulant-related visits during the same period, an eight per cent decrease year-over-year, though still averaging roughly 14 visits per day.
Stimulants, often referred to as “uppers,” include drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, while opioids — sometimes called “downers” — include substances like fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine and heroin. The data highlights continued overlap in drug use, showing that 29 per cent of stimulant-related emergency department visits involved opioid use, while eight per cent of opioid-related emergency visits involved stimulants. Among hospitalizations, 14 per cent of opioid poisonings involved stimulants, and 36 per cent of stimulant poisonings involved opioids.
Health Canada declined to provide additional comment ahead of the report’s publication, but public health officials emphasized that while the national trend is improving, sustained efforts are still needed to address ongoing risks and disparities across the country.