In response to the opioid epidemic, the federal government recently announced an astounding investment of $2.8 million through the Emergency Treatment Fund (ETF). This funding will help four key projects created to fight the overdose crisis in Atlantic Canada. On Monday morning, federal officials announced more than $20 million in new funding to address the growing, terrible epidemic of drug overdoses. This funding will strengthen public health actions in communities, such as Fredericton and Miramichi, NB, Amherst, NS, and St. John’s, NL.
Most recently, the Public Health Agency of Canada has issued an emergency funding call. Recent numbers from the CDC show a disheartening increase in overdose deaths due to opioids that adds urgency to this support. As of August 2024, New Brunswick has recorded 68 deaths from opioid overdoses. This led to a shocking death rate of 6.3 deaths per 100,000. The announcement follows advocacy around the 2024 federal budget. It provides $150 million over three years for the ETF, with an emphasis on helping the ETF provide a quick and effective response to the overdose crisis.
Addressing the Crisis with Targeted Support
The ETF seeks to revitalize and empower municipalities and Indigenous communities by providing financial resources for public health investment projects. The projects supported by this funding will include adding overnight services for vulnerable populations, delivering essential supplies, providing transportation to critical services, distributing naloxone, and offering overdose support year-round.
Minister of Health Marjorie Michel said,
“Communities across the country have called for help – and through the Emergency Treatment Fund, we are responding.”
In 2024, Nova Scotia experienced a further acceleration of stimulant overdose deaths, resulting in 63 deaths. This is a dramatic jump from a mere 25 fatalities in 2018. From 2023 to 2024, Newfoundland experienced the largest and most troubling increase in opioid-related deaths across Canada. This troubling trend is an unfortunate indicator that the crisis is worsening in some areas.
The Impact on Indigenous Communities
The Public Health Agency of Canada has noted that the overdose crisis is particularly impacting Indigenous communities. The agency highlighted the role of historical factors like colonialism, as well as current marginalization, in creating the challenges faced by these communities. They stated,
“Due to colonialization and continued marginalization, many Indigenous communities have also experienced increases in deaths and disproportionate harms, particularly among Indigenous women.”
This funding will greatly enhance the existing harm reduction measures. It will address the acute needs of Indigenous populations, who are experiencing an epidemic of substance abuse.
Future Outlook and Community Engagement
Within these projects are a host of new initiatives aimed at bringing communities more deeply into the effort to combat and prevent overdose. These joint initiatives offer the resources, mentorship and support networks to cultivate the next generation of innovators. They are working to produce safer environments for people most likely to overdose.
Cities and towns all over Atlantic Canada are preparing to roll out these new, more positive measures. Local leaders are optimistic that, with this funding, they will be able to decrease overdose deaths and improve public health results. This new initiative is more timely than ever. It reflects the increasing understanding that we need holistic approaches to tackle the multifaceted drivers of our overdose crisis.
