British Columbians will be marking the 5th Anniversary of the declaration of the BC Public Health Emergency on Wednesday, April 14th, 2021.
Time:12PM – 1:30PM
Location: Steps of Parliament Buildings
What to bring: Face masks, signage, and large portraits of loved ones.
Here are some facts!
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7000+ people have died since the Public Health Emergency Declaration in 2016
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5.3 people are dying per day in BC
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there is now a measurable decrease in life expectancy at birth due to the overdose crisis (Statistics Canada)
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2020 recorded the highest rate of deaths in one year (1,716)
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80% of deaths occurred inside (private residences and other facilities)
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In 2020 there was a 75% jump in annual overdose deaths
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Illicit drug toxicity death rates among 19+ years have remained high
(BC Coroners Service)