Rising deaths from opioid overdoses should be an election issue for NS, lawyer says

As Week 3 of the provincial election campaign begins, questions are being raised about how Nova Scotia's major political parties plan to combat the rising number of opioid overdose deaths.

As of November 1, there have been 60 confirmed or probable deaths from opioid poisoning in 2024. according to the Ministry of Health. In 2023, there were 73 – a record high, according to the province's data.

Bertha Harrison, who lives in Springhill, N.S., is part of a group of 20 people called Save our Families, which aims to fight addiction and overdoses in the community of about 2,600 people.

It's a personal matter for Harrison. Her son Daniel died in a shelter while receiving addiction treatment in Moncton.

“My vote goes to whoever offers or hopes to offer us the best options,” Harrison said in an interview.

Leaders weigh in

Three years ago, the Progressive Conservatives were elected on the promise of universal mental health care, including the creation of a minister for mental health and addictions. It was Brian Comer at the dissolution.

“It's something we care about deeply, and deeply enough to appoint a minister,” PC leader Tim Houston said at a media meeting last week.

“I think there are a number of initiatives out there… people can use the YourHealthNS and reach out at a time when they might need to talk to someone,” he said when asked about the rising number of overdose deaths.

Harrison said access to 24/7 crisis lines is a start, but there must be in-person options for those who don't have access to cell phones.

“I believe we need an office where they can meet someone and … discuss their issues,” Harrison said.

The Liberal Party is promising walk-in mental health clinics, as well as mental health and addiction centers.

“I've never talked to an MLA from any party that doesn't have desperate people coming to them for help,” Liberal Leader Zach Churchill said. “Despite Tim Houston's pledge to support universal mental health care, there is currently not enough capacity.”

NDP Leader Claudia Chender said the crisis is growing, but gave no details about her party's plan.

“It's something we would focus on and we'll talk about that in the coming days,” Chender said.

Access to care

Harrison said access to recovery homes is something she sees as essential for people living with addiction.

“We need more subsidized or free recovery places for those using substances, regardless of the type,” says Harrison, who adds she would like to see more face-to-face support in Springhill.

In the meantime, Save our Families is focusing on operating a warming center one day a week at a local parish house. The group has previously organized harm reduction events and Harrison hopes education can help.

“It's no different than any other disease,” Harrison said.

“You have to understand what happened to that person and why he/she is in this position. You don't have to accept it, you don't have to approve of it, but I think you have to understand it. ”