Regina police aware of 160 apparent drug overdose deaths in 2021
2021 was a record year for drug overdoses in Regina with police reporting 160 apparent deaths over the past year – a 40 per cent spike from 2020.
The Regina Police Service (RPS) said it is aware of 1,800 drug overdoses last year, according to annual crime stats presented on Tuesday.
“That’s not every overdose that happened. There were a lot that would have gone unreported but the number to emergency services, 1,800 in a community our size is extremely high,” RPS Chief Evan Bray said.
The year end numbers were presented at a Board of Police Commissioners meeting. Back in 2018, Regina dealt with 31 overdose deaths, and 21 in 2019. In 2020, there were 111. Another rise this year is a cause for concern for city officials.
“We’re looking for best practices across Canada in terms of what’s working. It’s both complicated and complex,” Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said.
Police attended 341 apparent overdoses in 2021, administering Narcan in 27.
Regina’s All Nations Hope Network said drug overdoses have taken the lives of several of their clients.
As Indigenous people, we know that life is so precious and so important and that spirit that lives in each and every one of us lives in our creator,” Margaret Kisikaw Piyesis, All Nations Hope’s finance and research director, said.
“We want to take care of that spirit so if they are going to use drugs and alcohol throughout the rest of their lifetime, that’s their choice, but we want to make sure that they’re safe and that they have a place and that they’re loved.”
The provincial government points to higher spending to provide addictions treatment, with a goal of adding another 150 spaces over the next three years and continuing expansion of harm reduction services.
The NDP believe more could be done through harm reduction.
“I can’t stress enough that there are solutions to some of these crises. There are not overnight fixes but there’s a lot that we could be doing differently,” Meara Conway, an NDP MLA, said.
December saw the highest monthly total of apparent overdose deaths, with 23.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.