On Air Now CHON Overnight 6:00pm - Midnight

Now Playing Overnight schedule with hourly CP news-breaks CHON Overnight Programming

Listen Live

No drug-related deaths in the Yukon in June or July, but experts warn that the overdose crisis is far from over

Thursday, 17 August 2023 16:46

By Stuart Bonell

Blood Ties Four Directions Centre's building in Whitehorse (Photo: S. Bonell)

The decrease in deaths was not the result of a decrease in drug use, according to Blood Ties Four Directions Centre executive director.

Through the ongoing opioid crisis in the Yukon, the territory reported no substance-related deaths in June or July. Harm-reduction workers and drug experts say that despite the recent decrease in drug-related deaths in the Yukon, the territory should remain on alert.

Blood Ties Four Directions Centre executive director Bronte Renwick-Shields warns that the Yukon is still experiencing an overdose crisis, and that the decrease in deaths did not come from a decrease in drug use or overdose.

Blood Ties Four Directions Centre houses the only supervised consumption site in the Yukon. According to Renwick-Shields, overdoses that receive response at the site could have been fatal if they had been in the community instead.

Data from Yukon’s chief coroner Heather Jones says that twelve Yukoners have died from substance use since January. Of those deaths, eight occurred over the course of three weeks in April. Eleven involved cocaine, nine involved opioids, and eight involved fentanyl.

More from CHON-FM Northern News

First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun youth benefit as mining firms fund mayo school sports

The companies combined their efforts after several of them received requests from the school to cover a sports funding shortfall. The donation also helps teams travel.
FNNND calls out Yukon Government over exclusive mine sale talks, demands consent

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun said it has not consented to any sale or restart and has no agreements with any party
BC man convicted of manslaughter

The Crown submitted that Primozic died as a result of multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
Hamilton Boulevard trail cleared as winter pilot project wraps up

Priority 1 trails are normally cleared as close to the surface as possible.
Yukon RCMP roll out new navy-blue uniform shirts

The RCMP says the updates improve comfort and fit for officerswhile keeping them recognizable
Yukon releases final flood maps for Dawson, Klondike Valley, Upper Liard

Draft maps for Dawson and the Klondike Valley were available for review from August 12 to September 10, 2025.
Inquest into the death of Manui Roux to be held in Whitehorse

The inquest aims to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding Roux’s death
Yukon municipalities to receive record $30 million in funding

In addition to the funding for municipalities, up to $88,000 is allocated annually to the Association of Yukon Communities for professional development opportunities.
Yukon expands winter electricity relief for residents

The program is designed to support families struggling with winter electricity bills and is replacing previous rebate programs.
Ross River Dena Council says 'no' to proposed mining on its traditional territory

The decision to approve the mine represents both a severe and unjustified infringement of its constitutionally protected Kaska Aboriginal Title and Rights
LSCFN stands firm: 'No mining in the Breadbasket'

Chief Russell Blackjack emphasizes that no mining activity will be tolerated in this area
Yukon Government accepts responsibility for abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary

The Government accepts full responsibility for the harm caused and apologizes to the affected children and their families.
Whistle Bend road connector project gets $8.7M boost from federal government

The Whistle Bend Neighbourhood Active Transportation Connector project will receive over $8.7 million to build 5.5km of multi-use pathways and protected bike lanes, connecting downtown Whitehorse to Whistle Bend
Yukon Government signs deal with Alliance Health for primary care clinic

The clinic, located at 106 Lambert Street, will utilize the existing River Valley Medical Clinic space and serve approximately 2,000 new patients over the next two years.
Man Missing in Whitehorse: Reuben van Klaveren Sought by RCMP

He was last seen near the Millennium Trail in Whitehorse on March 31, 2026, wearing blue jeans, a winter jacket, and glasses.
Yukon Government passes health authority act amendment amidst first nations concerns

The amendment reflects the government's commitment to strengthening frontline healthcare and improving health outcomes, as promised in the 2025 election
Selkirk First Nation announces election results

Jeremy Harper was acclaimed as Chief and Rena Simon as Youth Councillor, effective February 10, 2026.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation cuts community safety services amid funding shortfall

The federal government's First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) funding will end on March 31, 2026.
Yukon First Nations Outraged Over Clean Energy Act Repeal

Repealing the Act without consultation ignores this partnership and undermines progress made
The Yukon Employees’ Union is weighing in on the Health Authority Act’s uncertain future

The YEU calls on the Yukon government to engage in honest, constructive discussions with health care workers and their representatives.