In 2024 Quebec's Superior Court green‑lit a class‑action suit targeting eight opioid manufacturers and distributors for allegedly downplaying addiction risks. The case, which follows earlier settlements totalling about $22 million, now struggles to enroll the estimated 13,000 addicts who could qualify for compensation.

Only 1,400 Registrants Amid an Estimated 13,000 Addicts

Law firm Fishman Flanz Meland Paquin LLP reports that roughly 13,000 Quebec residents have received treatment for opiiod use disorder, yet just 1,400 have signed up for the class action, according to lawyer Margo Siminovitch. The shortfall reflects the difficulty of contacting people who are homeless, incarcerated, or hospitalized.

Lawyers Turn to Pharmacies, Jails and Community Centres to Find Claimants

To bridge the gap, attorneys like Olivia Wawin are distributing information at pharmacies, correctional facilities and day‑centres such as Méta d’Âme in Montreal. The centre, which offers adaptive housing and support services, hosted a filing session where former patient Caroline Rivest learned about the lawsuit. "What struck me was that nobody had told me just how dangerous it was," Rivest told reporters, underscoring the alleged misinformation by the defendants.

Defendants Argue the Suit Paints All Opioids with the Same Brush

The eight companies contend that the case unfairly groups together disparate drugs, claiming no evidence that every opioid is equally addictive. They also dispute inclusion of firms whose products the lead plaintiff, former construction wroker Jean‑François Bourassa, never used. The court rejected an appeal by the defendants to overturn the class‑action authorization, according to the filing.

Deadline Pressure and Possible Extension as Enrollment Lags

The current cut‑off for filing a claim is July 31. Siminovitch has hinted at requesting a six‑month extension to give more potential members time to gather medical records and complete paperwork. With $22 million earmarked from earlier settlements, the funds could be spread thin if enrollment remains low.

Unanswered Questions: Who Exactly Is Eligible and How Will Compensation Be Distributed?

Key uncertainties remain: whether individulas who only used hospital‑only opioids qualify, and how the $22 million pool will be allocated among possibly thousands of claimants. The lawsuit also excludes OxyContin and OxyNEO, which were settled in a separate national case in 2023, leaving a gap in coverage for some users.