Purdue Canada agrees to $150 million settlement in class action lawsuit

VICTORIA—The Canadian drug maker was one of 40 accused by the B.C. government of engaging in deceptive marketing practices to increase sales that resulted in higher rates of addiction and overdose.

The proposed settlement with Purdue Canada has been agreed to by all federal, provincial and territorial governments and totals $150 million in monetary benefits, plus additional benefits including access to information and documents relevant to the lawsuit.

“British Columbia’s efforts to negotiate this unique settlement, together with other Canadian governments, paves the way for additional settlements to be reached in the ongoing litigation against other manufacturers and distributors of opioid products,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “We know that no amount of money can bring back those who have died, but we are committed to holding corporations and others accountable for acts of alleged wrongdoing committed in the manufacturing and distribution of opioid products.”

This settlement is the first of its kind in Canada. B.C. began the class action in 2018 in an attempt to recuperate costs associated with the increase in opioid-related care.