Concerns Raised Over Accuracy and Timeliness of P.E.I. Opioid Overdose Data

Statistics on opioid-related overdoses and deaths in Prince Edward Island have not been updated on the provincial government’s website since February, prompting concerns from advocacy groups and public health officials about the adequacy of current surveillance practices. Both the chief public health officer and local organizations working with people who use drugs have emphasized the importance of more frequent monitoring to understand the evolving situation and inform public health responses.

Data from 2025 indicated an increase in opioid-related deaths on the Island, with 13 fatalities reported compared to seven in 2024. However, calls to emergency services for suspected opioid overdoses decreased, with Island EMS responding to 109 suspected cases in 2025, down from 171 the previous year. This apparent discrepancy between overdose deaths and EMS calls has drawn attention to possible gaps in reporting.

Tessa Rogers, harm reduction project manager with PEERS Alliance, an advocacy organization supporting individuals facing addiction, expressed concern that the official data underrepresents the true number of overdoses. Rogers explained that many overdoses are managed within peer groups without involving emergency services, particularly when naloxone is administered by friends or acquaintances. "If somebody is responding to naloxone that their friend administers, a lot of the time they aren't calling EMS," she said.

Rogers highlighted the importance of timely and accurate statistics, noting that such data is essential for shaping community conversations about drug use and informing harm reduction strategies. She emphasized the human impact behind the statistics: “Every number is a person. When we really start looking at that, we can look at how valuable harm reduction is as a tool and start to really pick away at some of that stigma.”

Law enforcement agencies in P.E.I. have issued warnings about an increased presence of fentanyl in the province. In addition, the PEERS Alliance has voiced criticism over P.E.I.’s decision to pause the implementation of a safe injection site, describing it as indicative of a lack of commitment to harm reduction measures.

While P.E.I. has not experienced the same surge in overdoses as some other jurisdictions in the region, advocacy groups have noted a recent increase. For comparison, a group in Moncton reported 702 overdoses between June 1 and June 22, attributing the spike to the emergence of a veterinary tranquilizer being sold as a street drug. Rogers indicated that similar substances are present on the Island, underscoring the need for education about risks and harm reduction practices among people who use drugs.

Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, concurred on the need for regular updates to overdose data and acknowledged that surveillance is vital for public health. Morrison pointed out that tracking non-fatal overdoses is more straightforward through EMS and hospital data, while deaths require a coroner’s review, which can delay reporting.

According to Morrison, the rate of opioid-related deaths in P.E.I. remains lower than the national average, with 7.1 deaths per 100,000 people compared to the Canadian rate of 13.5 per 100,000. She attributed the lower fatality rates in part to the widespread availability of naloxone, a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. Naloxone is distributed at more than 50 sites across the province, including pharmacies and community organizations.

Morrison stated that the increased accessibility of naloxone has contributed to a decline in fatal overdoses. Both Morrison and Rogers identified several risk factors for accidental overdose, including the mixing of multiple substances, using drugs alone, and lack of access to reversal medication.

Islanders seeking support can access services through organizations such as PEERS Alliance and obtain drug testing strips and naloxone at local pharmacies. Advocacy groups and public health officials continue to stress the need for timely data to better respond to the ongoing risks associated with opioid use and changing drug trends on the Island.

The debate around surveillance and harm reduction in P.E.I. reflects broader national concerns over opioid use, data transparency, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. The evolving drug supply, the presence of potent substances such as fentanyl and veterinary tranquilizers, and the challenge of capturing accurate overdose data all contribute to the complexity of the issue. Stakeholders continue to call for enhanced monitoring, more robust harm reduction infrastructure, and a reduction of stigma as part of a comprehensive response to opioid-related harms.