While EHS numbers can vary and more calls don’t necessarily indicate more deaths, Recovery Alberta is concerned about carfentanil’s growing presence in opioid-related deaths. From January to May of this year, 68 per cent of opioid deaths in Alberta involved carfentanil, which is a 10 per cent increase from last year. However, in Edmonton the number of deaths involving carfentanil jumped from 17 per cent to 78 per cent. “We’re worried what’s happening in Edmonton is (carfentanil) is replacing fentanyl and that’s extremely scary,” said Tanguay. Recovery Alberta continues to expand OAT, which helps stabilize people, reduce cravings and prevent overdose.