Despite the efforts of various levels of governments, the number of deaths
due to opioid overdoses, primarily fentanyl, is skyrocketing. In 2019, before BC started giving out “safe supply,” there were 983 deaths. By 2022 the number had risen to over 2,200 deaths. And we are on track to break that record this year.
Opioid overdose is not a problem limited to B.C. or Canada. The U.S. has more opioid deaths per capita than Canada. However, the America government is actively trying to understand the problem.
Here in Canada, we feel if we remove the stigma, give out free drugs and needles, then magically the problem will be solved.
In the U.S., unlike Canada, there is knowledge that the supply of fentanyl comes from China via Mexican cartels. And more to the point, fentanyl is being used by the Chinese Communist Party as a geopolitical tool and a massive source of hard U.S. currency.
The Chinese government, for example, announced in August 2022 that it would suspend counternarcotics and law enforcement cooperation with the U.S., in response to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan.
This has dealt a heavy blow to the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. This is a firm and strong response to the U.S. and Taiwanese separatists’ provocation. It is completely justified, appropriate, and proportionate.
In contrast, Canadian government websites make no mention of the fact that the majority of fentanyl supply comes from China. Justin Trudeau and the Liberals would rather not say anything to upset their ally. Or perhaps they are worried that appearing racist is more of a sin than allowing thousands upon thousands of their citizens to die from poisonous drugs.
To make matters worse, an increasing amount of fentanyl is found to be laced with Xylazine, also called “tranq.” This additive increases the sedative effect of fentanyl and makes naloxone ineffective when attempting to revive an overdose patient.
What do the “experts” in Canada want to do? Their plan is to increase “safe supply” and remove the “prohibition mindset.” Perhaps they have not been paying attention, but people have been openly using IV drugs in public on the Downtown Eastside for more than 25 years. It has been a long time since Vancouver has had a “prohibition mindset” towards drugs.
I fear with our current approach, things are going to get much worse before they get better.
Martin Fichtl, Brackendale
