Opioid Crisis in Canada: A Review of its Impact and Ontario’s New Measures to Combat it
The scourge of the opioid crisis continues to ravage the social and economic fabric of Canada, impacting countless lives, families, and communities. This issue has garnered increasing attention both domestically and globally, with numerous reports and articles highlighting a reality that is hard to comprehend. This article, in particular, sheds light on the recent measures taken by Ontario to confront this crisis, with the appointment of a high-profile figure to chair its primary care team.
Effects of the Opioid Crisis in Canada
The effects of the opioid crisis in Canada, particularly Ontario, are disconcerting. The implications are multi-faceted and deep-seated, impacting several aspects of society:
- The rise in mortality: The number of opioid-related deaths in Ontario has skyrocketed over the past few years. Opioid overdose has now become a leading cause of unintentional death in the province, with several fatalities going unnoticed and unrecorded.
- Increased homelessness: The gripping dependency on opioids has adversely affecting housing stability, with a significant number of individuals grappling with homelessness. The intersectionality of drug addiction and homelessness has intensified the urgency of the crisis.
- Spike in crime rates: The opioid crisis has directly contributed to the escalation of crime rates, especially property and drug-related crimes. As dependency increases, so does the engagement in criminal behavior to maintain the addiction.
Despite the daunting reality of the problem, it is important to highlight the efforts being made to combat the opioid crisis.
Ontario’s Action to Counter the Opioid Crisis: The Appointment of Dr. Jane Philpott
Ontario has taken decisive action with the recent appointment of Dr. Jane Philpott, a former federal Liberal Health Minister, as the Chair of the primary care team in a bid to confront the opioid crisis head-on. Her appointment is seen as a significant step in the fight against the opioid crisis. Recognized for her passion and determination, Dr. Philpott’s experience at the federal level is expected to bring salient insights and perspectives to help Ontario address the opioid crisis more robustly.
Notable Awakening: Canadian Opioid Class Action
Dr. Philpott’s appointment comes in the wake of an awakening: the Canadian opioid abatement class action. The class action has reconfigured the conversation on the opioid crisis, revealing the breadth of its impact while holding manufacturers and distributors accountable. This legal initiative has re-emphasized the blaring need for comprehensive and integrated systems of care, preventive measures, improved regulations, and the development of non-opioid pain management therapies.
The Naloxone Factor
Naloxone, an opioid antagonist that reverses opioid overdose, has proven to be an essential tool in the fight against this crisis. Ontario has been actively facilitating the availability of naloxone kits in pharmacies and community health centres, resulting in countless lives saved. The province recognizes that increased access to naloxone can be a gamechanger and has committed to continue its efforts to make it widely available.
What’s Next for Ontario?
The challenges posed by the opioid crisis are colossal, but they are not insurmountable. Ontario has demonstrated its resolve to combat the opioid problem and is geared up for the arduous journey ahead. Proactive measures like the appointment of Dr. Philpott, the opioid class action, and the progressive promotion of naloxone access contribute to the multi-sectoral approach required to curb this crisis.
Closing Thoughts
The opioid crisis in Canada and Ontario, in particular, is an intricate issue demanding a well-structured, sustained, and integrated approach from all stakeholders. This CP24 piece underlines the essence of taking dynamic, swift actions to address the current challenges that the crisis presents. Ontario’s recent steps, involving the appointment of a high-level expert like Dr. Philpott and the critical role of naloxone as a life-saving medication, indicate a strategic move in the right direction. Moreover, the awakening represented by the Canadian opioid abatement class action underlines the importance of accountability and robust preventive measures to counter this crisis effectively.
