Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Ontario files $50 billion suit versus tobacco companies

Ontario is filing a $50 billion lawsuit against the tobacco companies for healthcare costs. Opponents of the lawsuit such as Eric Ganon, spokesperson for Imperial Tobbaco Canada Ltd. said, "It's a little bit hypocritical to sue the legal tobacco manufacturers when the governments have been a partner of the industry for many decades now." Supporters of the lawsuit on the other hand argue that the mere existence of the tobacco industry is not moral and therefore should be punished for the crimes to society's general health. Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society said, "We're very pleased by this announcement -- it is very significant. The tobacco industry has been engaged in decades of wrongful behavior in Ontario and Canada, and they need to be held to account(able)" Ontario is the third providence of Canada to file this type of suit, but being the most populated there is chance it's decision will set presidence for future cases.

By Carla Lutz

No comments: