WHEREAS, International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized around the world every August 31 as a day to remember those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to overdose and toxic drug poisoning, and to support the families, friends, and communities affected by grief and loss; and

WHEREAS, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and take action to prevent future deaths and harms; and

WHEREAS, the toxic and unpredictable unregulated drug supply continues to cause preventable deaths and harms in Ontario, with the Office of the Chief Coroner reporting that fentanyl and fentanyl analogues were attributed to nearly three in four opioid toxicity deaths in Ontario in 2025, and stimulants were involved in nearly seven in ten opioid toxicity deaths; and

WHEREAS, Thunder Bay continues to be among the communities most affected, with the highest municipal opioid toxicity mortality rate in Ontario in 2025, at 52.72 deaths per 100,000 population, compared with the Ontario rate of 8.96 deaths per 100,000 population; and

WHEREAS, stigma and fear of judgement can cause people who use substances to hide their use, use alone, and avoid seeking support, and International Overdose Awareness Day affirms that people who use substances are valued members of our community who deserve dignity, care, respect, and support; and

WHEREAS, many toxic drug poisonings are preventable through compassionate, evidence-informed responses, including prevention and education, harm reduction, naloxone access, treatment, recovery supports, housing, and coordinated community action;

THEREFORE, I, Ken Boshcoff, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim August 31, 2026, as International Overdose Awareness Day in Thunder Bay.

 

Ken Boshcoff, Mayor