Tag Archives: Guy Felicella

Health

Island Health not exempt from B.C.’s record toxic street drug death toll


National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

B.C. communities large and small are suffering devastating losses as deaths from toxic street drugs reached an all-time high with 2,224 people dying from overdoses in the province last year. 

Every health authority saw a record loss of lives in 2021 as an average of six people died each day from toxic drugs, said B.C.’s Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe on Wednesday, and communities across Vancouver Island were no exception. 

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Health

Vancouver asks for an exemption from Canadian drug laws

By Jen St. Denis, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Vancouver’s council made history this week by asking the federal government for an exemption from Canadian drug laws to decriminalize possession of drugs for personal use.

Council voted on the motion  the same day the BC Coroners Service reported 1,386 people have died so  far this year of an overdose, with deaths increasing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Health

Will Vancouver be the first Canadian city to decriminalize drugs?

By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Vancouver could become the first Canadian city to decriminalize the possession of illicit drugs in an effort to prevent increasing numbers  of overdose deaths.

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Health

Heated exchange over Response to Vancouver’s overdose crisis

By Moira Wyton, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Vancouver city council meeting Tuesday on a proposed overdose prevention site near upscale condos and apartments in the Yaletown  neighbourhood highlighted deep divides over the response to the deadly  overdose crisis.

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Health

Death Toll from toxic street drugs Skyrocketing

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

B.C.’s death toll from toxic street drugs continues to skyrocket during the pandemic, with 175 people dead from overdoses in July.

Continue reading Death Toll from toxic street drugs Skyrocketing →