Editor:
The sharp rise in deaths among unhoused individuals in the Island Health region and across B.C. exposes the dangerous failures of so-called “safer supply” programs. While these programs were intended to reduce overdoses, the reality is that they have fueled diversion, addiction, and organized crime, putting more people at risk rather than keeping them safe.
The claim that “safer supply” prevents overdose deaths is misleading. Despite the distribution of pharmaceutical opioids like hydromorphone, overdose deaths remain at record levels. In fact, since the introduction of safer supply programs, B.C.’s toxic drug crisis has only worsened. The BC Coroner’s Service reports that drug poisoning remains the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 59, with no significant reduction in fatalities despite widespread safer supply prescribing.
Moreover, the diversion of these drugs into the illicit market is well-documented. Reports from frontline healthcare workers, law enforcement, and addiction recovery experts confirm that safer supply medications are often sold or traded for stronger substances like fentanyl. Youth and first-time users are increasingly gaining access to hydromorphone, a drug that was rarely found on the streets before the launch of safer supply programs. This diversion undermines recovery efforts and creates new pathways to addiction.
Instead of flooding communities with addictive drugs, we should focus on treatment, mental health care and stable housing — solutions that actually help people recover. Recovery-focused programs, including access to detox, long-term treatment, and peer support, are severely underfunded compared to harm reduction initiatives. Individuals seeking help for substance use should not be given more opioids; they should be given the tools and support needed to regain control of their lives.
The evidence is clear: safer supply has failed to address the toxic drug crisis and may, in fact, be making it worse. We must rethink our approach and prioritize policies that lead to long-term recovery, not deeper addiction.
Barbara Smith, Pivot Society
