The PCs have announced they are seeking to join a proposed class action lawsuit against more than 40 opioid manufacturer and wholesalers.

The lawsuit was originally launched in B.C., as part of a bid to recoup some of the costs incurred as a result of widespread opioid addiction.

The untested suit alleges companies marketed opioids like Oxycontin as a less addictive alternative to other pain drugs, triggering an overdose crisis that has killed thousands of people.

Attorney General Caroline Mulroney says the crisis “has cost the people of Ontario enormously, both in terms of lives lost and its impact on health care’s front lines.”

Joining the legal action would “support [the province] taking further action to battle the ongoing opioid crisis and hold manufacturers and wholesalers accountable for their role in it,” according to Mulroney.

“If passed, this proposed legislation would support us taking further action to battle the ongoing opioid crisis and hold manufacturers and wholesalers accountable for their role in it,” said Mulroney.

She says the government will pass along any money awarded from the lawsuit directly to front line mental health and addiction services.

LIVE: Attorney General Caroline Mulroney makes an announcement on mental health and addictions. #AMHO2019 https://t.co/iGrsgZ30iG

— Caroline Mulroney (@C_Mulroney) May 27, 2019