There are still more than 2,600 other lawsuits seeking to hold the drug industry accountable for an opioid crisis that has been linked to more than 400,000 deaths in the U.S. alone since 2000.

David Eby said if the deal isn't expanded to include Canadian claims, the province will press ahead with its legal action.

Purdue is among several drugmakers and distributors that are facing lawsuits, seeking to hold them responsible for fuelling the U.S. opioid addiction crisis.