The Gallant government is considering launching its own or taking part in a lawsuit related to the harmful effects of opioids and the resulting cost and impact to New Brunswickers.
Health Minister Benoit Bourque says the province is continuing its efforts to keep people from opioid abuse and consider how it can best ensure the pharmaceutical industry is held accountable for the health of New Brunswickers and the financial burden put on taxpayers for health-care costs.
According to the government, at least 241 people have died from accidental opioid overdoses in the past 11 years in this province and 2,800 across the country in 2016, alone.
The government also says there is some evidence pharmaceutical companies and distributors could have been part of some activities that led to the opioid crisis, including deceptive advertising, and misrepresentations about the addictiveness and effectiveness of these drugs.
You can read the full news release from the province HERE.
