After losing their sons to accidental drug overdoses two years ago, two mothers in Ottawa are calling for reform and transparency in how drug-related deaths are investigated through their new nonprofit organization.

Janet Tonks, co-founder of Trace the Lace, said, "I met Natalie while in a grief group. We came together to share each other's sorrow and take slow steps toward some kind of recovery from the loss of our sons."

Natalie Bergen and Tonks are mission-driven mothers who established the nonprofit Trace the Lace after the deaths of their sons in 2022, just a few months apart.

Bergen's son William was 21 years old, and Tonks' son James was 38. William died after taking what he believed was Xanax for anxiety, while James suffered a fatal dose of fentanyl.

Bergen said, "If my son had known what it was, he would have never taken it. This isn't an accidental overdose; it's a suspicious overdose."

Tonks says her son James was affectionate and caring, and she described him as someone who loved fashion and storytelling.

She said, "We were so connected that he was really like my friend."

Bergen's son William was passionate about flying and lived life to the fullest.

"He lived a very powerful life. He was kind to his friends and believed in chasing your dreams," she said.

Together, they are advocating for thorough investigations into drug overdoses and holding drug dealers accountable. Bergen states that there was no investigation into her son's death.

Bergen said, "He didn't deserve to die. After some research, I wanted to know why the police don't charge drug dealers with murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence, so that’s how Trace the Lace started."

They are also calling for more government-funded treatment facilities for those suffering from addiction and changing the label from "accidental overdose" to "suspicious overdose" to help guide charges and convictions.

So far this year, more than 160 people have died in the capital due to suspected drug overdoses according to Ottawa Public Health, although it is unclear how many of these were due to narcotic drugs.

But for Bergen and Tonks, it’s not just about advocacy; it’s about removing stigma and providing support for grieving families.