Quebec is on track to exceed 600 drug overdose fatalities for the second consecutive year, prompting experts to renew calls for increased efforts to combat this troubling trend. The Institute for Public Health in Quebec (INSPQ) documented 645 confirmed or suspected drug overdose deaths in 2024, marking the highest figure ever recorded in the province. As of September 2025, the INSPQ has reported 453 deaths, projecting a total of around 604 deaths for the year.
Professionals working directly with individuals grappling with drug addiction have observed a rising demand for assistance, yet resources remain insufficient to meet the growing needs. Anthony Berger, a clinical supervisor at Dunham House in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, highlighted a 16% increase in applications for their English-language residential treatment facility for substance use and mental health in both 2024 and 2025. However, with only a 38-bed facility, Berger emphasized the challenge of accommodating everyone seeking help.
Berger stressed the necessity for the Quebec government to provide substantial support and investments in treatment centers, particularly in light of funding cuts experienced by such facilities. He emphasized the critical need for additional resources to attract professionals and expand services to prevent individuals from resorting to self-treating mental health issues through substance use, perpetuating a harmful cycle.
While Quebec’s drug overdose statistics are notably lower than provinces like British Columbia, which recorded over 2,000 toxic drug-related deaths in 2024, Patricia Conrod, a professor of psychiatry and addiction at the Université de Montréal, cautioned that Quebec’s numbers are heading in a concerning direction. She emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent the province from reaching a saturation point similar to other regions experiencing high rates of drug overdoses.
Jade Lalumière, a social worker at Maison Benoît-Labre in Montreal, shared her observations of the escalating impact of addiction, noting a worsening trend year by year. Lalumière highlighted the influence of public perception on services for individuals struggling with addiction, underscoring the potential impact of policies that restrict access to vital resources. She emphasized the importance of adopting approaches such as safe-supply initiatives to reduce harm and save lives among those battling addiction.
In response to the evolving illicit drug market and the rise of drug contamination beyond opioids, Quebec’s Ministry of Health and Social Services expressed concern over opioid and drug-related deaths, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring of the situation. The ministry highlighted the dynamic nature of the issue and the challenges posed by changes in the illicit drug landscape.