Canada's Supreme Court Backs B.C. Opioid Class-Action for Health Costs Recovery

Nov 29, 2024, 03:53 PM

The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favor of British Columbia pursuing a class-action lawsuit against pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for opioid-related harms. The ruling, decided by a 6-1 vote, allows B.C. to bring the lawsuit on behalf of other provinces, territories, and the federal government, enabling a 2018 class action to proceed. The court also affirmed the constitutionality of B.C.'s law aimed at recovering health-care costs related to the opioid crisis. This decision permits other jurisdictions, including Ottawa, to join the lawsuit, which seeks accountability from the opioid industry for its role in the public health crisis.