Manitoba Suing Tobacco Companies

Manitoba has joined a group of provinces who are suing tobacco companies. Legislation has been passed allowing the provincial government to take the action. Similar legislation has been introduced in British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. "Smoking has put extraordinary financial pressure on our health-care system in treating tobacco related illnesses," said Premier Greg Selinger.

In a news release, the province announced the lawsuit will seek to recover the costs the health-care system has incurred as a result of the tobacco industry’s misrepresentations and deceptive practices, but stopped short of saying how much is being sought in damages. Defendants in the lawsuit include Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc., Philip Morris U.S.A. Inc., Philip Morris International Inc., JTI-Macdonald Corp., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco International Inc., Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. and British American Tobacco P.L.C. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba has one of the highest smoking rates in Canada at 21 per cent for men and women.