Introduction
This review provides a national summary of what is currently known
about the Canadian opioid crisis with respect to opioid-related deaths and harms and
potential risk factors as of December 2017.
Methods
We reviewed all public-facing opioid-related surveillance or epidemiological
reports published by provincial and territorial ministries of health and chief coroners’ or
medical examiners’ offices. In addition, we reviewed publications from federal partners
and reports and articles published prior to December 2017. We synthesized the evidence
by comparing provincial and territorial opioid-related mortality and morbidity rates
with the national rates to look for regional trends.
Results
The opioid crisis has affected every region of the country, although some jurisdictions
have been impacted more than others. As of 2016, apparent opioid-related
deaths and hospitalization rates were highest in the western provinces of British
Columbia and Alberta and in both Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Nationally,
most apparent opioid-related deaths occurred among males; individuals between 30 and
39 years of age accounted for the greatest proportion. Current evidence suggests regional
age and sex differences with respect to health outcomes, especially when synthetic opioids
are involved. However, differences between data collection methods and reporting
requirements may impact the interpretation and comparability of reported data.
Conclusion
This report identifies gaps in evidence and areas for further investigation
to improve our understanding of the national opioid crisis. The Public Health Agency of
Canada will continue to work closely with the provinces, territories and national partners
to further refine and standardize national data collection, conduct special studies
and expand information-sharing to improve the evidence needed to inform public health
action and prevent opioid-related deaths and harms.