In 2019, a class action was started to compensate people who became addicted to opioids or overdosed on them. The heirs of victims who have died are also eligible for compensation.
On December 22, the Superior Court approved new settlement agreements requiring pharmaceutical companies to pay a total of $31 million to opioid victims.
As part of the class action, victims accuse the pharmaceutical companies of misleading them and failing to properly warn them about the risks of using opioids. The Superior Court approved the settlements because it considers them fair, equitable and in the interest of those affected.
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A public health emergency The Government of Canada considers that the opioid crisis is a public health emergency. The crisis is driven by widespread addiction, frequent overdoses, and the many deaths caused by opioids. It is estimated that about 17 people in Canada die every day from opioid poisoning. |
Who is eligible for compensation
You may be eligible for compensation if you are or were harmed by opioids. You can also ask for compensation if you are the heir of someone who died as a result of opioid use .
To be eligible, you must provide a copy of your pharmacy records showing that you used opioids between 1996 and May 20, 2025. Opioids include drugs such as morphine, fentanyl, and codeine. You must also provide a copy of your medical records showing that you were diagnosed with or treated for an opioid use disorder.
If you are making a claim as an heir, you must provide the same pharmaceutical and medical records for the deceased person.
For details on when and how to apply for compensation, visit the website of the law firm representing opioid victims.
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Exceptions Certain types of opioids are not included in the class action. For example, OxyContin and OxyNEO are excluded, as are opioids that are used only in hospitals. |
The origins of the crisis
Opioids can relieve certain types of pain, but using them too much can slow breathing, cause loss of consciousness, and, in severe cases, lead to death.
At first, opioids were mainly prescribed to patients with terminal cancer. In 1996, Health Canada approved a new brand of opioid that was presented as less powerful. Its use was approved for treating moderate to severe pain for all patients. After the United States, Canada has the highest use of prescription opioids per person in the world.