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Canadian Cancer Society welcomes introduction of legislation enabling lawsuit against tobacco industry’s destructive behaviour 04
March
2009
TORONTO -
The Canadian Cancer Society welcomes the Ontario government’s legislation enabling cost-recovery litigation against the tobacco industry.
The Society has been advocating for several years for legislation that would hold accountable an industry responsible for 30% of cancer deaths.
“We’re pleased the government has listened and taken action,” says Peter Goodhand, CEO, Ontario Division, Canadian Cancer Society. “In addition to recovering costs, the suit will hold the tobacco industry to account for the harm it has caused Ontarians and their families.”
Cost-recovery litigation could significantly benefit public health. In other jurisdictions, litigation has resulted in restrictions on marketing practices of the tobacco industry.
“We call for the swift passage of the legislation and the timely filing of a law suit against the industry,” added Goodhand. “This will remind all Ontarians that this is an industry that operates outside the rules of a normal business.”
Benefits of litigation
The benefits of litigation include:
- Justice: A lawsuit against the tobacco industry will hold it accountable for the industry’s destructive behaviour.
- Truth: Through the court process, information on the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices will become public.
- Compensation: Potentially billions of dollars could be recovered as compensation for health care and other costs.
- Health: Litigation could result in greater restrictions on tobacco industry marketing and sales practices.
Background
- 13,000 people die of tobacco-related illness every year in Ontario.
- Tobacco use is responsible for 30% of cancer deaths.
- Provincial governments have spent billions of dollars to treat tobacco related illnesses.
- Tobacco-related illness accounts for $1.6 billion in expenses.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.-30- For more information, please contact: Christine Koserski Sr. Coordinator, Media Relations Ontario Division Phone:
(416) 488-5402
x2305
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