Mr. Speaker, in addition to the devastating toll that opioids are having on families across Canada, our public system has been severely stressed as well. Front-line responders, overdose prevention services, emergency room staff and treatment centres have all borne an enormous cost.
While opioid manufacturers have reaped billions in profits, the public has been left with massive costs from these addictive and dangerous substances.
U.S. governments have recovered over $600 million in damages and British Columbia has just launched a lawsuit to protect taxpayers. Will the government join it?