The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Oct. 6, edition that the Quebec government has introduced a bill that would allow it to join a proposed class-action lawsuit against more than 40 pharmaceutical companies and retailers. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe reports that Quebec's bill would permit the province to sue opioid makers, wholesalers and consultants for health care costs resulting from their alleged failure to warn the public of the risks associated with their drugs. It also grants Quebec the ability to join lawsuits launched by other provinces. The class-action lawsuit application, launched in 2018 by the British Columbia government on behalf of the federal government and the provinces and territories, alleges that drug makers misrepresented the risk of opioid addiction and failed to mention side effects and withdrawal symptoms. It seeks damages from drug makers, including Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb, as well as pharmacy companies, such as Metro's Jean Coutu and Loblaw. Social services minister Lionel Carmant says it is still too early to say how much money Quebec would receive if the suit is successful. Last year, B.C. settled with Purdue Pharma for $150-million.