First Nations opioid death rate in Ontario nine times higher than rest of province – Sudbury News
Oct 8, 2025
The study was co-authored by researchers at the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network.
TORONTO — First Nations people in Ontario are dying from opioids at a rate of nine times higher than the rest of the province, according to a new report.
The study, which was co-authored by researchers at the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network also found other indicators, including hospital visits from opioid toxicity, starting the use of safer supply, and prescription of opioid agonist therapy (like methadone and suboxone) were also significantly higher among First Nations people in Ontario.
“There’s a lot of (stigmatization) in addictions and opiate addictions,” Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict told Newswatch in an interview. “This report highlights those disparities that are between non-First Nation and First Nation (people).”
