The Attorney General says he is hoping to see more provinces join BC’s lawsuit to recoup health-care costs related to the opioid crisis.

David Eby says he is heartened that Alberta will now be part of the province’s lawsuit, joining both Ontario and New Brunswick.

“Each time a province passes legislation like ours to formalize their participation in the lawsuit, the lawsuit becomes stronger and it increases the odds of success as we try to reach and early and satisfactory agreement with these producers and manufacturers.”

He says none of the provinces that BC has approached so far has opted out of the suit that is national in scope.

Eby adds the province will also be in court on November 15 to add the Sackler family as defendants to the existing lawsuit.

“One of the reason why we’re looking at steps like applying to add the Sackler family personally is to make sure that we are not in a situation where Purdue for example, are selling their Canadian assets to pay for a settlement for Americans. The Canadian assets should be going, if they are going to be sold, should be going to compensate Canadians.”

In announcing their intention to join the lawsuit, Alberta’s health minister says residents have paid a high price for the irresponsible actions of opioid manufacturers and distributors.

Tyler Shandro added that Alberta spends $53-million a year on health care connected to opioids.

The BC Lawsuit is trying to recoup health-care costs related to the opioid-crisis dating back to 1996. It was filed a year ago, alleging drug makers falsely marketed opioids as less addictive than other pain drugs, helping to trigger a crisis that has killed thousands.