A class action suit has been launched against 28 pharmaceutical companies who produce opioids.
It comes on the heels of a study that found opioids to be no more effective than over-the-counter medication in treating chronic pain.
A statement of claim filed in Ontario Superior Court alleges the drug companies knew this and the risk of addiction but promote their products anyway.
The suit seeks 1.1 billion dollars in damages.
None of the allegations have yet been proven in court.
