died of suspected illicit drug toxicity in March — the deadliest month in a year, according to the B.C. Last month's overdose deaths, however, mark a 61 per cent increase from February, according to the coroners service. It said the increase, compared to a January-February average, occurred in every health authority in the province, with a 91 per cent increase in the Fraser Health region and 80 per cent increase in the Island Health region. So far this year, males account for just over three quarters of the overdose deaths, consistent with last year, according to the B.C. Since then, more than 5,000 people have died of illicit drug overdoses.

Source: CBC News May 07, 2020 19:58 UTC