Thousands of Canadians die each year from opioid overdoses. As the crisis spreads, cities and local first responders are on the front lines, reviving people from overdoses, distributing overdose-prevention drugs and educating the public about the dangers of illegal opioid use. And municipalities are piloting and implementing community-based solutions.

Together with our Big City Mayors’ Caucus, we are leading the call for a coordinated national response by all orders of government. And we have seen progress, including steps toward a national standard for overdose data, a meaningful federal response on harm reduction and emergency funds for treatment.

Our top priority is expanding access to a variety of treatment options. Reviving people from overdoses and sending them back to the streets or their homes is not a long-term solution. All orders of government need to work together to build real pathways to treatment, making the most of frontline expertise at every step along the way.


Featured news & resources

See featured resources, news, events and training related to Opioid crisis.
News
Budget 2019 is an opportunity to improve the lives of Canadians

Big City Mayors’ Caucus Chair Don Iveson issued the following statement at the close of a series of meetings between Canadian mayors, the Prime Minister, and federal cabinet ministers.

News
Ottawa must make permanent pledge to fund public transit

Three big-city Canadian mayors make the case for a modernized approach to reduce emissions, boost productivity and shorten people's commutes.

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Cities seek permanent transit transfer ahead of 2019 budget

Canada’s municipalities say the Liberal government’s transit funding should come with fewer strings attached so that projects get moving more quickly. In a report to be released Thursday, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities will outline its recommendations for the 2019 budget...

Resources
A critical time to deliver for Canadians

Municipal recommendations for Budget 2019: It’s time for our governments to come together as full partners—to deliver the best results for Canadians.

News
Statement from Mayor Don Iveson, Chair of FCM’s Big City Mayors’ Caucus

​​​​​​​The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Big City Mayors’ Caucus Chair Don Iveson issued this statement in response to the Province of Ontario’s intention to invoke the “notwithstanding clause”.

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Respecting the independence of Canada’s cities is critical to recognizing the will of the voter

As a lopsided relationship between provinces and cities plays out across Canada, BCMC Chair Don Iveson says it's time to modernize how we work together to serve Canadians.

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Quick facts
3,996
Canadians who died from opioid overdoses in 2017
92%
2017 overdose deaths ruled accidental
$231M
5-year funding in Federal Budget 2018 to help tackle the crisis
Related focus areas
Explore the topics we’re working on related to the opioid crisis.

Public safety

Municipalities help keep Canadians safe and secure. We work to ensure that they have the right tools to protect Canadians from crime, health risks and emergencies.
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2019 Federation of Canadian Municipalities