I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who came out yesterday to plant flags, provide resources, and simply show up for one another. Despite the heavy rain, there was a sense that the weather truly fit the occasion—honouring the profound loss we have felt over the last decade. It was a heavy day and a stark reminder that, as a community, we must continue to do better.
Since the public health emergency was declared ten years ago, more than 18,000 British Columbians have lost their lives to the toxic drug supply. In our own Tri-Cities community, we have lost 380 members—each flag representing a neighbour, a friend, and a family member who is deeply missed.
However, amidst that grief, there is a clear sign of hope. We are seeing a significant increase in the use of emergency response services compared to the rate of loss. Modeling estimates suggest that harm-reduction initiatives like the take-home Naloxone program and supervised consumption sites have prevented over 46,000 overdoses in recent years. This tells us that our message is getting out: people are reaching out for help, using safety tools, and—most importantly—surviving.
Event Highlight: Flags at Town Centre Park
Our community came together in a powerful display of remembrance at Lafarge Lake. You can view the photos and coverage of our memorial event here:
Video Roundup: For Those Who Prefer to Watch
If you prefer visual storytelling or are short on time, these videos provide a deep dive into the crisis and the current state of advocacy:
- 18,000 Lives Later: B.C.: This video summarizes the evolution of B.C.’s harm-reduction system over the last decade and explores the “deadly gap” that still exists between detox services and long-term treatment.
- The Social Roots of the Crisis: Featuring insights from Dr. Gabor Maté, this piece discusses how the crisis is deeply tied to social dislocation and trauma, arguing that substance use should be viewed as a social and political issue.
Deepening the Conversation: Resources for Further Reading
To understand the full scope of this crisis and the ongoing advocacy for change, we encourage you to explore the following:
- BC Health Experts: Policies Still Ignore the Evidence: Leading experts, including the former chief coroner, argue that while evidence-based solutions exist, current policies often prioritize law enforcement over health-centered resources.
- Sadness, Grief, and Outrage at the Legislature: Hundreds gathered in Victoria for a “moment of silence and minute of rage,” demanding that the government treat this as a true medical emergency.
- 10 Years in Crisis (Canadian Drug Policy Coalition): This resource frames the decade as a failure of policy, calling for a shift toward “rights-based systems” and away from punishment.
Your work in sharing these life-saving resources is making a tangible difference. Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and for continuing to look out for one another.
— From the TC CAT Team
