Released on May 31, 2012
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed The Saskatchewan Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act, enabling the province to launch legal action against the tobacco industry to recover the costs of treating tobacco-related illnesses. The proclamation comes on May 31, 2012, which has been designated as World No Tobacco Day by the World Health Organization.
"We intend to join other Canadian provinces in pursuing legal action to recover health care costs from tobacco manufacturers," Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. "This Act gives us the legal authority to launch a lawsuit on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan."
The provincial government has enlisted a consortium that includes the law firms of Bennett Jones, LLP and Siskinds, LLP to launch a lawsuit on behalf of Saskatchewan. The consortium also represents the governments of New Brunswick, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
"While the lawsuit will seek cost recovery, we also want to remind residents about the harmful effects of tobacco use," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. "As part of the provincial strategy, Building a Healthier Saskatchewan: A Strategy to Reduce Tobacco Use we introduced legislation to protect our citizens against the harm of second hand smoke, and we have been providing public education about the risks of tobacco use as well as cessation support to those trying to quit."
"We intend to hold the tobacco industry accountable for the damaging effects of its products on the health of Saskatchewan residents," Wyant said.
Saskatchewan will join the governments of British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador, who have launched similar lawsuits.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Linsay Rabyj
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775
Email: linsay.rabyj@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-540-4945
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594