Saskatchewan is one step closer to pursuing legal action against the tobacco industry. Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan announced the province has reached an agreement with Bennett Jones, LLP and Siskinds, LLP, a consortium that will bring a health care cost recovery action on behalf of Saskatchewan.
"Retaining this consortium is an important step in initiating litigation against tobacco manufacturers," Morgan said. "We are confident they will be excellent counsel for Saskatchewan as we look to recover health care costs expended by the government to treat tobacco-related illnesses of Saskatchewan residents."
Saskatchewan intends to join other provinces that are pursuing legal action including B.C., New Brunswick, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador. Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec have also indicated their intent to pursue this type of tobacco litigation.
"We are concerned about the impact tobacco has on the health of our residents and are committed to reducing tobacco use in the province through the work of the provincial tobacco strategy," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "Our actions, including steps to recover health care costs from tobacco industry, honour our commitment to building a healthier Saskatchewan."
The Saskatchewan Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act enables an action by the province against the tobacco industry for health care costs resulting from tobacco use, including for not adequately warning the public of the dangers associated with the use of tobacco products. The Act received royal assent in April 2007.
"While the resulting action would be a Saskatchewan lawsuit, the health care cost issue is of national concern and affects all jurisdictions, meaning there has been and will continue to be discussions and co-operation amongst the provinces," Morgan said.
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