Province looks to penalize companies who’s products cause harm to others

The B.C. government is taking action to recover the costs of public-health harms caused by wrongdoers.

The province announced the Public Health Accountability and Cost Recovery Act that would allow the government to recover costs from individuals who promote, market or distribute products that are harmful to British Columbians.

Specifically, the proposed legislation would allow the province to go after social media companies for the harms their algorithms cause people, especially children, as well as companies that produce addiction-creating products.

The act will build on previous litigation against tobacco and opioid manufacturers, and solidifies the attorney general’s role in leveling proactive litigation on behalf of the public.

“Our government previously warned social media giants, tobacco, drug companies and other big faceless corporations that we would be taking action to hold them accountable for the harm they are causing to people, including kids,” Premier David Eby stated.

“My message is simple: Here in B.C., we expect you to operate in a way that doesn’t hurt people, period.”

Under the legislation, the government will be able to claim public costs, such as hospital treatments and doctor visits, as well undertake proactive and preventative measures to address the risk of disease, illness or injury to British Columbians.

It will also permit that companies as a whole, as well as directors and officers, be held liable for harms.

“Too many people in B.C. are living with negative health impacts from products they should be able to trust,” Niki Sharma, Attorney General, said.

“Once this new legislation passes, we will be able to sue more wrongdoers, as we’ve done successfully with tobacco and opioid companies, and keep more people in B.C. healthy and safe.”