Quebec is on track to exceed 600 drug overdose deaths for the second consecutive year, prompting experts to urge the province to take more action to address this alarming trend. The Quebec Institute for Public Health (INSPQ) reported 645 confirmed or suspected drug overdose deaths in 2024, marking the highest number ever recorded in Quebec. As of September 2025, the INSPQ has documented 453 deaths, projecting a total of around 604 deaths for the year.
Frontline workers assisting individuals battling drug addiction have observed a growing demand for support services, while available resources remain limited. Anthony Berger, a clinical supervisor at Dunham House in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, highlighted 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, raising concerns about the lack of accessible treatment options.
Berger emphasized the necessity for the Quebec government to boost funding for treatment centers that have experienced cuts. He stressed that insufficient resources hinder the delivery of effective care, leading some individuals to manage their mental health challenges through substance use, perpetuating a harmful cycle. Berger emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to care, including social housing and safe drug supply, to prevent further tragedies.
Despite Quebec’s lower drug overdose statistics compared to provinces like British Columbia, where over 2,000 deaths from toxic drugs were recorded in 2024, experts like Patricia Conrod, a professor of psychiatry and addiction at the Université de Montréal, warn of a concerning trend. Conrod noted that Quebec’s approach differs from provinces with historically high overdose rates, suggesting a need for proactive measures to avert a crisis. While Quebec has not reached a saturation point in drug-related deaths, Conrod stressed the urgency of concerted efforts to prevent a similar scenario.
Jade Lalumière, a social worker at Maison Benoît-Labre in Montreal, expressed concerns about the escalating impact of addiction observed at the shelter and supervised drug consumption site. Lalumière highlighted the challenges faced by addiction services due to public perception and policy decisions that could restrict access to vital support. She emphasized the importance of a compassionate approach to addiction care, underscoring the role of safe-supply initiatives in preventing unnecessary loss of life.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services acknowledged the gravity of opioid-related deaths and evolving drug markets, signaling a need for ongoing vigilance and action to address these pressing issues. Public opinion and regulatory decisions continue to shape the landscape of addiction services, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based approaches to support individuals struggling with substance use.