The new Health minister and Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA, Dustin Duncan, served notice that Saskatchewan will be joining with other provinces in suing the tobacco industry to recover the costs of treating tobacco-related illnesses.
The new Health minister and Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA, Dustin Duncan, served notice that Saskatchewan will be joining with other provinces in suing the tobacco industry to recover the costs of treating tobacco-related illnesses.
To enable this action, the government proclaimed the Saskatchewan Tobacco Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act on Thursday, which was designated as World No Tobacco Day by the World Health Organization.
"This act gives us the legal authority to launch a lawsuit on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan," said new Justice minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant.
The province enlisted a consortium that includes the law firms of Bennett Jones LLP and Siskinds LLP to launch a lawsuit on behalf of the people of the province of Saskatchewan.
The consortium also represents the governments of B.C., Manitoba, New Brunswick, 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," said Health minister Duncan.
"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," he added.
"We intend to hold the tobacco industry accountable for the damaging effects of its products on the health of Saskatchewan residents," said Wyant.
