QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Get answers about fentanyl, the opioid crisis in Canada, how to get help, and how to join the CleanCanada movement.
CleanCanada is a community movement focused on reducing substance abuse and keeping public spaces safe. Founded by TeamFuchs, we organize protests, raise public awareness, and connect Canadians with free harm reduction resources. Learn more about us.
Our goal is to pass the Clean Canada Act and build a treatment facility in every province capable of housing 2,000 patients. We believe every Canadian struggling with addiction deserves access to proper treatment. Support us by signing our petition on Change.org.
There are many ways to get involved:
Every voice matters in the fight against the fentanyl crisis.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Originally developed for severe pain management, illicit fentanyl is now the leading cause of opioid overdose deaths in Canada. As little as 2 milligrams — an amount too small to see with the naked eye — can be a fatal dose.
An average of 17 to 20 Canadians die each day from opioid-related overdoses. Over 80% of opioid deaths in Canada involve fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs. In 2023 alone, 74% of all overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Precursor chemicals are manufactured in China and India, then shipped to Mexico where cartels produce fentanyl in illegal labs. The finished product is smuggled into the United States and then across the border into Canada in small, high-potency quantities that are difficult to detect.
Drug dealers mix fentanyl into other substances like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pills because it is cheap to produce and extremely potent. A tiny amount creates a powerful effect, increasing profit margins. Many people who overdose on fentanyl had no idea it was in the drugs they were using.
Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs. They are a harm reduction tool that can help prevent accidental overdoses. In Ontario, you can get free fentanyl test strips through Naloxone Ontario or at local harm reduction sites.
Signs of a fentanyl overdose include:
If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if available.
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Administer naloxone if available (nasal spray or injection).
3. Place the person on their side in the recovery position to prevent choking.
4. Stay with them until paramedics arrive.
5. If breathing does not improve within 2-3 minutes, give a second dose of naloxone.
Canada's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects you from drug possession charges when you call for help during an overdose.
No. Canada's Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides legal protection to anyone who calls 911 to report an overdose. You will not be charged with simple drug possession if you call for help. This law exists to encourage people to seek emergency help without fear of criminal charges. Always call 911 — it could save a life.
Naloxone is available for free at pharmacies across Ontario without a prescription. You can also order free naloxone by mail through Naloxone Ontario. Kits include nasal spray or injectable forms and can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. No cost, no judgment, no prescription needed.
You can also find naloxone distribution sites near you through the Ontario Take-Home Naloxone Program.
There are several free, confidential services available across Ontario:
For crisis situations, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, always call 911.
Yes. Ontario has substance use treatment programs in over 160 communities. You can find treatment options through ConnexOntario, which provides free referrals to treatment centres, counseling, detox programs, and support groups. Treatment is confidential and often available at no cost.
You can also visit Health Canada's Get Help page to find services in your area.
Help is available in every province and territory. Here are key national and provincial resources:
The federal government has launched several initiatives through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, including:
CleanCanada believes more needs to be done. Sign our petition to support the Clean Canada Act.
Start the conversation early and keep it honest. Resources to help:
Explain that fentanyl can be hidden in pills and powders that look like other drugs. One pill can kill. Encourage them to never take anything from someone they don't trust.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, please reach out. Help is available, recovery is possible, and every life matters. Call ConnexOntario right now — it's free, confidential, and open 24/7.