Advertisement

Quebec hits tobacco industry with lawsuit

A woman smokes a cigarette in Arlington, Virginia on June 12, 2009. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn)
A woman smokes a cigarette in Arlington, Virginia on June 12, 2009. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn) | License Photo

MONTREAL, June 9 (UPI) -- The Canadian province of Quebec filed a $60-billion lawsuit against the tobacco industry for allegedly failing to reveal the health risks of smoking.

The suit filed Friday names 11 tobacco companies and covers a 60-year span from 1970 out to 2030.

Advertisement

The money is being sought under legislation passed three years ago in Quebec authorizing the province to seek damages to cover the costs of treating smoking-related illnesses.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation said Saturday Quebec was the fifth province to file such a suit.

The tobacco industry is not taking the challenge lying down. Imperial Tobacco Canada has its own lawsuit against Quebec. The company called Friday's action a "cash grab" by the provincial government it said was "a senior partner in the tobacco industry for decades."

"Governments have licensed us, have taxed us and our consumers, and have regulated us, all in full knowledge of the risks associated with tobacco use," Donald McCarthy, vice president of law for Imperial Tobacco Canada said.

Latest Headlines