Quebec To Sue Tobacco Companies for $Can60 Billion

The province of Quebec on Friday launched lawsuit against big tobacco companies for more than $Can60 billion to recover the costs of offering health care to people with smoking-related illnesses.

The lawsuit will target tobacco companies at home and abroad, and will seek damages associated with the cost of treating patients from the 1970s until 2030, Quebec Justice Minister Jean-Marc Fournier said.

Six other provinces -- Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island -- have already launched lawsuits against the tobacco industry. Alberta has also announced it will seek damages.

Health care is under the jurisdiction of provinces in Canada.

Source: AFP