Drug overdoses claim unprecedented 914 lives in B.C. in 2016.

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The BC Coroners Service revealed that ,illicit drug overdoses claimed the lives of 914 people in British Columbia in the year 2016, making it the deadliest overdose year on record and representing an increase of nearly 80 per cent from the year before.

Fentanyl, an opioid 100 times more potent than heroin, has been a "game changer" for drug overdose deaths in B.C., said Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe.

Terry Lake, B.C. Health minister has announced more money for treatment beds and said the federal government needs to step up.

Lake said,"The federal government should declare a federal public health emergency."

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