VICTORIA — British Columbia's outgoing chief coroner says it's been "extremely disappointing" to see overdose deaths turned into "political fodder" for critics of harm reduction and decriminalization as the province hits another record toll.

“Our country has historically responded to drug use with punishment, imprisonment, fines, court orders and criminal records,” Lapointe said. “This response has resulted in lost jobs, lost families, lost dignity and lost hope. It has required huge investments in the criminal justice system, police, courts, probation officers and prisons.”