A Quebec Superior Court green‑lit a class‑action suit in 2024 against eight opioid manufacturers and distributors, accusing them of downplaying addiction risks. Plaintiffs must have been prescribed opioids and later diagnosed with opioid use disorder, yet many potential claimants are homeless, incarcerated or in long‑term care, making enrollment a daunting task.

Eight Defendants Remain After $22 Million Settlement with Six Others

When the court authorized the action, 16 companies were initially named; six settled for a combined roughly $22 million, leaving eight firms to face the trial. According to the report, the remaining defendants argue that the lawsuit unfairly lumps all opioids together and that the plaintiffs have not proven each drug’s addictiveness.

Only About 1,400 Registrations Out of an Estimated 13,000 Treated Users

Law firm Fishman Flanz Meland Paquin LLP estimates that roughly 13,000 Quebec residents have received treatment for opioid addiction,yet just 1,400 have signed up for the class action, and not all may qualify. As Margo Siminovitch of the firm noted, “the problem is big,” highlighting the gap between those in treatment and those who have even heard of the suit.

Outreach at Méta d’Âme Highlights Barriers for the Marginalized

Lawyers like Olivia Wawin are meeting potential claimants at community hubs such as the Montreal day centre Méta d’Âme, which serves current and former opioid users. community workers Barbara Rivard and Christopher Kucyk observed that many addicts are preoccupied with obtaining their next dose, while others feel overwhelmed by legal paperwork or simply do not know they qualify.

Lead Plaintiff Jean‑François Bourassa’s Decade‑Long Addiction Fuels the Case

The class action’s named plaintiff, former construction worker Jean‑François Bourassa, was prescribed opioids after a 2005 roof‑fall and struggled with dependence for over a decade. He now relies on methadone for life and says the lawsuit aims to prevent others from enduring a “living hell.”

Deadline Pressure and Possible Extension as Courts Weigh Options

The current cut‑off for joining the suit is July 31, but Siminovitch is contemplating a six‑month extension to capture more eligible victims.. As the article notes,the Quebec case is distinct from the nationwide British Columbia class action that began in 2018 and led to Purdue Pharma’s $150 million settlement in 2022.

Who Still Needs to Be Contacted?

Lawyers report difficulty reaching individuals in jails, hospitals and on the streets, despite sending information to pharmacies and correctional facilities. The article states that “some are experiencing homelessness; some are in jail; others are in long‑term hospital care,” underscoring the logistical hurdles that could limit the suit’s ultimate impact.