Big tobacco will feel the burn with $50 billion lawsuit (Ontario)

"The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario applauds the Ontario Government for launching a $50 billion lawsuit that seeks damages for past and ongoing health care costs. This will finally hold the tobacco companies responsible for their duplicitous business tactics that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Ontarians as well as placing an enormous strain on our health care system. In Spring 2009, Ontario joined British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in passing legislation paving the way for law suits against tobacco companies, and the opportunity to form a strong multi-provincial coalition to ensure cost recovery and comprehensive settlements. Earlier this morning, Attorney General Chris Bentley filed a $50 billion lawsuit against the tobacco manufacturers. The lawsuit represents tobacco-related health care costs borne by Ontarians since 1955. Tobacco related health care costs currently total more than $1.6 billion a year in Ontario"