The Addiction Crisis in Fredericton

Fredericton is experiencing a worsening overdose crisis driven by fentanyl and emerging synthetic opioids. In 2025, Fredericton Police responded to 162 overdose incidents including nine fatal overdoses. By mid-2026, police had already responded to 61 overdose incidents — more than double the 27 incidents at the same point in 2025. Officers responded to over 113 drug overdose calls requiring medical intervention in 2025 alone, surpassing all of 2024. In September 2025, there were 13 overdose calls within a single 24-hour period. A dangerous new synthetic opioid, protodesnitazene, was identified in the local drug supply in early 2025 alongside seized fentanyl. In response, the John Howard Society of Fredericton received city council approval to construct an addiction rehabilitation and transitional housing facility.

Canada recorded approximately 7,560 apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2023, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada — an average of more than 20 deaths every day. New Brunswick, despite its smaller population, has seen a dramatic rise in fentanyl-involved deaths over multiple years. In 2024, reported drug toxicity deaths declined in some parts of Canada, but New Brunswick's fentanyl involvement reached a record high proportion (57%), reflecting a more toxic and unpredictable supply rather than a genuine reduction in risk.

01. What is happening in Fredericton

02. A crisis that did not start this month

New Brunswick recorded 78 apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2024, down from a record 98 in 2023 — a 20.4% decrease. However, fentanyl was detected in 57% of those 2024 deaths (42 of 78), marking two consecutive record years for fentanyl involvement. Most deaths occurred in people aged 40 to 49. Ambulance crews administered naloxone to 689 people in 2023, and to approximately 320 people in the first half of 2024 (about 53 per month). The provincial drug supply continues to be contaminated with fentanyl and novel synthetic opioids, making every use potentially fatal.

03. Why is it getting worse?

The Fredericton and New Brunswick overdose crisis is driven by several converging factors: (1) widespread fentanyl contamination of the illicit drug supply — present in 57% of NB opioid deaths in 2024 — making dosing unpredictable and any use potentially fatal; (2) the emergence of novel synthetic opioids such as protodesnitazene in the local supply, identified in Fredericton in early 2025; (3) deep rural isolation across New Brunswick (nearly half the population lives rurally), limiting access to treatment and harm reduction; (4) inadequate treatment capacity — Fredericton lacks sufficient rehabilitation beds, prompting the John Howard Society to build a new facility; (5) socioeconomic marginalization, housing instability, and limited mental health services intersecting with substance use; and (6) national trends in toxic drug supply, with Canada recording approximately 7,560 apparent opioid toxicity deaths in 2023 (PHAC).

04. Where hope still lives

Communities across New Brunswick are responding with naloxone distribution, harm reduction programs, and peer support networks.

05. In the news

• Fredericton police warn of spike in overdoses, including 13 calls in 24-hour spanCBC News · 2025
• Fredericton Police Force reports spike in overdoses linked to illicit drug supplyCity of Fredericton · 2025
• Fredericton non-profit plans to construct addiction rehab centre where jail was proposedCBC News · 2025
• N.B. opioid deaths involving fentanyl at all-time high, says Public HealthCBC News · 2024
• Fentanyl-related opioid deaths rise in New Brunswick in 2023Global News · 2024
• Drug-related deaths hit record high in N.B.CBC News · 2024