Legislation to support the recovery of health care costs suffered as a result of opioid-related wrongs has passed in the House of Assembly. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, announced in September that Newfoundland and Labrador supports the national class action launched by British Columbia against opioid manufacturers and wholesalers.
The goal of the Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act is to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador holds accountable opioid manufacturers and wholesalers for their role in the current public health emergency and this legislation supports this goal. The bill helps strengthen Canadian governments’ negotiating position and promotes certification of the class action.
Newfoundland and Labrador joins other Canadian provinces and territories seeking a fair resolution with Purdue and other opioid manufacturers. This province is now the third province to pass this legislation, joining British Columbia and Alberta, with two other provinces, Ontario and Saskatchewan bills are progressing through their legislatures. The Provincial Government is in regular contact with its Canadian counterparts and participates on the Opioid Litigation National Working Group.
Newfoundland and Labrador remains ready and willing to participate in the effort to achieve global resolution of the claims, including against Purdue entities and the Sacklers. If, however, this province is not included in this process, we are determined to continue to pursue our claims to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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“This legislation allows government to take direct action against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The ongoing opioid crisis continues to impact Newfoundlanders and Labradorians – and all Canadians – in an unprecedented fashion, the burden of which has fallen to affected individuals and the governments who provide health care and other social supports to them and their families.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
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Opioid Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act
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Lesley Clarke
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca