Montreal public health officials have issued an urgent alert after a sharp rise in fatal and non-fatal overdoses, driven by an increasingly toxic drug supply. Paramedics have already administered naloxone hundreds of times in 2026, matching last year’s total, as carfentanil is linked to at least eight deaths since April.

Carfentanil and heat waves worsen overdose crisis

Dr. David Kaiser, assistant medical director at Montreal Public Health, confirmed carfentanil’s role in the surge during a Thursday news conference. The synthetic opioid, though highly toxic, still responds to naloxone—making rapid intervention critical. Kaiser urged bystanders to recognize overdose signs, call 911, and stay with the victim until help arrives.

Urgence Santé attributed the naloxone spike to both rising overdoses and greater public awareness. Officials noted more incidents in public spaces, with users collapsing on sidewalks and in parks. Recent heat waves may also be exacerbating the crisis, particularly for homeless individuals without shelter access.

Harm reduction challenges and dealer incentives

David Chapman, director of Resilience Montreal, reported two community members hospitalized in critical condition. He stressed that expanding harm reduction services requires careful planning and funding, warning that poorly designed safe injection sites could create new problems. “If a site is not tailored to its neighbourhood, or lacks adequate support, you’re going to have a nightmare,” Chapman said.

He also highlighted carfentanil’s appeal to dealers: its high potency in small doses reduces transport costs and boosts profits. “There’s always a section of people who will profit from others’ misery,” Chapman added, urging governments to avoid displacing users into isolated, high-risk settings.

Public health calls for vigilance

Officials advise drug users to carry naloxone, avoid using alone, and seek help if suspicious of substance contents. Witnesses to a suspected overdose should:

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Administer naloxone if available
  • Stay with the person until emergency crews arrive

Chapman emphasized the need for balanced solutions that address both community safety and the root causes of addiction, including childhood trauma and mental health struggles.