Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Changing the Way we think about mental health and addictions New BC Minister of Mental Health
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OxyContin users await compensation from Canadian lawsuits
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OxyContin users await compensation from Canadian lawsuits
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Avis Favaro reports on a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit settlement over addictive painkillers.
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CTVNews.ca Staff
Published Saturday, May 27, 2017 10:20PM EDT
Lawyers are looking for Canadians who became addicted to opioids after
receiving legal prescriptions for the painkillers Oxycontin and OxyNeo.
The maker of the painkillers, Purdue Pharma, recently agreed to settle several class-action lawsuits in Canada and will pay out $20 million to anyone who can prove they were harmed after using the drug.
Anyone who took the drug legally between January, 1996, and February, 2017, may be entitled to compensation for injuries.
As part of the settlement, the company "denies all allegations made in
the lawsuits, makes no admission as to the truth of these allegations
and denies any wrongdoing."
The lawsuit was launched in part by Stephen MacGillivray, a 53-year-old resident of Sydney, N.S. who asked his doctor for help easing pain from a workplace injury. After he was prescribed two Oxycontin pills a day, MacGillivray became addicted to the drug.
"I lost my job of 20 years. A great job," he told CTV News. "The next thing I lost? I lost my family."
He said, when he started taking the drug, he hoped it would take some pain away.
Soon he was taking three pills a day. A month later, he was taking four a day.
When his doctor stopped giving him prescriptions, he began spending his earnings and his family savings, then resorting to stealing to get money to buy the drug wherever he could.
"My morals just went down the drain," he said.
After some four years, and with much family support, MacGillivray got off the drug and onto methadone.
Back in 2007, he helped to launch a class action lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, alleging that the company used deceit in marketing the drug, and failed to warn doctors, pharmacists and patients about the risks of addiction.
Late last month -- nearly 10 years after that legal action began -- Purdue agreed to settle for $20 million. The settlement pleases Ray Wagner, of Wagners law firm in Halifax, which was one of four firms that led the lawsuits.
"We are happy with the results that we have, we're happy that we could provide some comfort," he told CTV News. "The alternative could have been zero. It's not perfect by far and we'll never be able to replace the losses that people have suffered."
So far, more than 4,000 people who claim they were affected have come forward to ask to be included in the settlement. That number will likely go up as more people who were affected by the drug become aware of the settlement.
But injured patients would be seeing all that money. Provincial health care providers are entitled to $2 million of the $20 million in exchange of releasing any further claims against Purdue. Then there are lawyer fees.
The remainder will be divided among patients, meaning the payout could be less than $4,000 per person.
Dr. David Juurlink, the head of pharmacology and toxicology and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, says $20 million isn't much.
"This is a drug company getting off lightly," he said.
"Companies, not just Purdue but others, will continue to do things that are questionable and maybe even in some instances illegal because there really aren't substantive penalties for doing so," he said.
As for MacGillivary, he calls the settlement a vindication that his addiction wasn't his fault.
In order for the settlement to become effective, it must be approved by the courts who will decide if the settlement is fair, reasonable and in the best interest of those in the class action.
With a report from CTV medical specialist Avis Favaro and producer Elizabeth St. Philip
The maker of the painkillers, Purdue Pharma, recently agreed to settle several class-action lawsuits in Canada and will pay out $20 million to anyone who can prove they were harmed after using the drug.
Anyone who took the drug legally between January, 1996, and February, 2017, may be entitled to compensation for injuries.
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Stephen MacGillivray speaks to CTV News
The lawsuit was launched in part by Stephen MacGillivray, a 53-year-old resident of Sydney, N.S. who asked his doctor for help easing pain from a workplace injury. After he was prescribed two Oxycontin pills a day, MacGillivray became addicted to the drug.
"I lost my job of 20 years. A great job," he told CTV News. "The next thing I lost? I lost my family."
He said, when he started taking the drug, he hoped it would take some pain away.
Soon he was taking three pills a day. A month later, he was taking four a day.
When his doctor stopped giving him prescriptions, he began spending his earnings and his family savings, then resorting to stealing to get money to buy the drug wherever he could.
"My morals just went down the drain," he said.
After some four years, and with much family support, MacGillivray got off the drug and onto methadone.
Back in 2007, he helped to launch a class action lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, alleging that the company used deceit in marketing the drug, and failed to warn doctors, pharmacists and patients about the risks of addiction.
Late last month -- nearly 10 years after that legal action began -- Purdue agreed to settle for $20 million. The settlement pleases Ray Wagner, of Wagners law firm in Halifax, which was one of four firms that led the lawsuits.
"We are happy with the results that we have, we're happy that we could provide some comfort," he told CTV News. "The alternative could have been zero. It's not perfect by far and we'll never be able to replace the losses that people have suffered."
So far, more than 4,000 people who claim they were affected have come forward to ask to be included in the settlement. That number will likely go up as more people who were affected by the drug become aware of the settlement.
But injured patients would be seeing all that money. Provincial health care providers are entitled to $2 million of the $20 million in exchange of releasing any further claims against Purdue. Then there are lawyer fees.
The remainder will be divided among patients, meaning the payout could be less than $4,000 per person.
Dr. David Juurlink, the head of pharmacology and toxicology and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, says $20 million isn't much.
"This is a drug company getting off lightly," he said.
"Companies, not just Purdue but others, will continue to do things that are questionable and maybe even in some instances illegal because there really aren't substantive penalties for doing so," he said.
As for MacGillivary, he calls the settlement a vindication that his addiction wasn't his fault.
In order for the settlement to become effective, it must be approved by the courts who will decide if the settlement is fair, reasonable and in the best interest of those in the class action.
With a report from CTV medical specialist Avis Favaro and producer Elizabeth St. Philip
Toddler Addicted to Drugs is subject of custody dispute
Toddler born addicted to drugs is subject of custody dispute in Nova Scotia
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The Canadian Press
Published Monday, July 31, 2017 4:42PM EDT
HALIFAX -- A new court ruling has revealed details of a heartbreaking
custody battle over a Nova Scotia toddler born addicted to drugs.
The boy was "born an addict" early in January 2016 because his mother had used drugs while pregnant, a Cape Breton judge said in a ruling released Monday.
Justice Theresa Forgeron ruled that the 18-month-old boy wouldn't be safe with his grandmother -- his "primary attachment figure" -- because she is unable to protect him from his drug-addicted mother.
The Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge refused to allow the grandmother standing, as the province seeks to have the boy permanently removed from his mother's care.
"The grandmother dearly loves the child and desperately wants the chance to provide a home for him," Forgeron wrote. "The grandmother and the child have a strong attachment. Attachment, however, is not the sole factor that must be considered."
The judge said the boy's mother has struggled with IV drugs for 25
years, and still uses hydromorphone and opioids despite many attempts at
recovery.
The boy was taken into interim provincial care soon after his birth.
The province placed him with his maternal grandparents, who agreed to allow his mother supervised contact as she participated in a treatment program.
But Forgeron said the mother continued to use drugs, and had unauthorized contact with the boy, and the grandmother didn't alert authorities.
A plan was worked up in June 2017 to have the boy placed in the custody of other relatives, but the relatives withdrew their application, and the boy was placed with foster parents.
The province then sought the boy's permanent removal from his mother, to which the grandmother responded by seeking permanent custody herself. The boy's mother endorsed the bid, saying the grandmother "is a very good parent" who raised two other children without addiction problems.
The toddler was "a happy loving boy ... in large part due to the grandmother's unconditional love and commitment," his mother said.
The province, however, argued the boy needed to be freed from the "web of despair" his mother's addictions have caused the family.
In her decision on whether to allow the grandmother standing in the custody battle, Forgeron said the evidence overwhelmingly suggests the grandmother's lack of insight would place the child at risk in her care.
The decision outlined multiple incidents where she said the grandmother placed the mother's interest ahead of the toddler's, and ignored or minimized the mother's behaviour.
"The grandmother was dragged into the mother's world, and at times, acted as an enabler of the mother's addiction," the judge said.
"The child must be protected from this world, even if this means that the only reasonable alternative is a permanent care and custody order, a fact which will not be known until the permanent care hearing is concluded."
The boy was "born an addict" early in January 2016 because his mother had used drugs while pregnant, a Cape Breton judge said in a ruling released Monday.
Justice Theresa Forgeron ruled that the 18-month-old boy wouldn't be safe with his grandmother -- his "primary attachment figure" -- because she is unable to protect him from his drug-addicted mother.
The Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge refused to allow the grandmother standing, as the province seeks to have the boy permanently removed from his mother's care.
"The grandmother dearly loves the child and desperately wants the chance to provide a home for him," Forgeron wrote. "The grandmother and the child have a strong attachment. Attachment, however, is not the sole factor that must be considered."
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The boy was taken into interim provincial care soon after his birth.
The province placed him with his maternal grandparents, who agreed to allow his mother supervised contact as she participated in a treatment program.
But Forgeron said the mother continued to use drugs, and had unauthorized contact with the boy, and the grandmother didn't alert authorities.
A plan was worked up in June 2017 to have the boy placed in the custody of other relatives, but the relatives withdrew their application, and the boy was placed with foster parents.
The province then sought the boy's permanent removal from his mother, to which the grandmother responded by seeking permanent custody herself. The boy's mother endorsed the bid, saying the grandmother "is a very good parent" who raised two other children without addiction problems.
The toddler was "a happy loving boy ... in large part due to the grandmother's unconditional love and commitment," his mother said.
The province, however, argued the boy needed to be freed from the "web of despair" his mother's addictions have caused the family.
In her decision on whether to allow the grandmother standing in the custody battle, Forgeron said the evidence overwhelmingly suggests the grandmother's lack of insight would place the child at risk in her care.
The decision outlined multiple incidents where she said the grandmother placed the mother's interest ahead of the toddler's, and ignored or minimized the mother's behaviour.
"The grandmother was dragged into the mother's world, and at times, acted as an enabler of the mother's addiction," the judge said.
"The child must be protected from this world, even if this means that the only reasonable alternative is a permanent care and custody order, a fact which will not be known until the permanent care hearing is concluded."
Vancouver Pride-NOT
Just like the Day's of Noah! I couldn't believe when I heard that this is happening in Vancouver, so close in conjunction with the solar eclipse and so many events upcoming!! This is nothing but an abomination. Come Lord Jesus, Come.
Vancouver is in full rainbow alert as the city celebrates the 39th anniversary of Pride.
The city kicks off the colourful Pride Week with the annual Pride proclamation at Jim Deva Plaza in the heart of Davie Village. This celebration is also coupled with the Pride flag and Transgender flag raising ceremony on the north side of city hall.
WATCH: Vancouver kicks off Pride Week with flag raising at city hall
“Vancouver is known throughout the world for our remarkable diversity, and we’ve been a leader in our commitment to equality and inclusion,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson in a release. “Pride is a great opportunity to celebrate a strong and vibrant Vancouver and all we’ve achieved together with our LGBTQ2+ community, as we continue to strive for legal and lived equality for all.”
Pride week will showcase inclusive events and diverse festivals that will bring together members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Two-spirit (LGBTQ2+) community, their friends, allies and supporters in celebration of the unique spirit and culture of the LGBTQ2+ community.
A lot of events are in store for the community and members of the public – from dancing on the pier in your favorite pride gear, lip-syncing with a popular reality show drag queen, to celebrating the festival in a drug and alcohol free environment – there is an event for everyone. For a full list of events, click here.
The week of festivities will be culminated by the annual Pride parade on Sunday, August 6. As in previous years, the parade will start at Robson and Bute and travel west on Robson to Denman, south on Denman to Beach, and east on Beach to Jervis. To fully enjoy the experience, the public is encouraged to use transit, bike, or walk to the parade.
Road closures during the parade (Aug. 6):
• 1000–1100 Robson St. between Burrard and Bute from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 700–900 Thurlow St. between Georgia and Nelson from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 1100-1600 Robson St. between Bute and Denman from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• 800-1200 Denman St. between Robson and Beach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• 1300-1700 Beach Ave. between Denman and Jervis from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Robson and Denman streets will be re-opened once the parade has cleared and streets have been cleaned.
Global BC is proud to be part of the 2017 Vancouver Pride Festival.
City of Vancouver kicks off 2017 Pride Week
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The city kicks off the colourful Pride Week with the annual Pride proclamation at Jim Deva Plaza in the heart of Davie Village. This celebration is also coupled with the Pride flag and Transgender flag raising ceremony on the north side of city hall.
WATCH: Vancouver kicks off Pride Week with flag raising at city hall
“Vancouver is known throughout the world for our remarkable diversity, and we’ve been a leader in our commitment to equality and inclusion,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson in a release. “Pride is a great opportunity to celebrate a strong and vibrant Vancouver and all we’ve achieved together with our LGBTQ2+ community, as we continue to strive for legal and lived equality for all.”
Vancouver police will be marching in the 2017 Pride Parade 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joins thousands at Vancouver Pride Parade A lot of events are in store for the community and members of the public – from dancing on the pier in your favorite pride gear, lip-syncing with a popular reality show drag queen, to celebrating the festival in a drug and alcohol free environment – there is an event for everyone. For a full list of events, click here.
The week of festivities will be culminated by the annual Pride parade on Sunday, August 6. As in previous years, the parade will start at Robson and Bute and travel west on Robson to Denman, south on Denman to Beach, and east on Beach to Jervis. To fully enjoy the experience, the public is encouraged to use transit, bike, or walk to the parade.
Road closures during the parade (Aug. 6):
• 1000–1100 Robson St. between Burrard and Bute from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 700–900 Thurlow St. between Georgia and Nelson from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 1100-1600 Robson St. between Bute and Denman from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• 800-1200 Denman St. between Robson and Beach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• 1300-1700 Beach Ave. between Denman and Jervis from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Robson and Denman streets will be re-opened once the parade has cleared and streets have been cleaned.
Global BC is proud to be part of the 2017 Vancouver Pride Festival.
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