Canada's top court has ruled that British Columbia can bring forward a class-action lawsuit against pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors and retailers for harms caused by opioids on behalf of other provinces,

Canada's top court has affirmed the constitutionality of a law allowing British Columbia to pursue a class-action lawsuit against opioid providers on behalf of other provinces, the territories and the federal government.

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma says a Supreme Court of Canada victory has cleared a "pathway" for governments across the country to go after opioid makers and distributors for damages arising from the opioid crisis.

Canada's top court has ruled that British Columbia can bring forward a class-action lawsuit against pharmaceutical providers for harms caused by opioids on behalf of other provinces, territories and the federal government.