Canada funds new opioid and stimulant overdose sites amid cocaine crisis

Federal grants aim to expand supervised consumption and drug-checking services as stimulant overdose deaths climb.

The Canadian government announced new funding for overdose prevention sites that serve people who use cocaine and other stimulants.

Public health data show stimulant-related overdose deaths have risen in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta, often involving benzodiazepines or opioids.

Advocates say supervised consumption sites reduce fatal overdoses and connect people with treatment, housing, and social services.

Opponents argue the sites normalize drug use and do not sufficiently push abstinence-based treatment.