NB 1595
Dec. 21, 2006
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The Government of New Brunswick has taken the next step toward holding tobacco companies financially responsible for the health-care costs of tobacco-related illnesses.
Attorney General T.J. Burke has begun the process to hire a qualified law firm or consortium of law firms to represent the province and provide advice in its legal action against tobacco companies. A request for proposals with a deadline of Jan. 31, 2007, has been issued.
"Tobacco companies must be held accountable not only to New Brunswick families who have had to deal with the emotional impact of smoking-related illnesses, but also to the taxpayers who pay the enormous health-care costs," Burke said. "This government is committed to making that happen."
Legislation enacted earlier this year gave the province the ability to recover health-care costs from tobacco companies. The Tobacco Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act gives the province legal authority to sue the tobacco industry for past and future health-care costs related to the use of tobacco products.
The bill is similar to legislation in British Columbia that was declared constitutional by the Supreme Court of Canada. New Brunswick was an intervener in support of British Columbia. Once the legislation is proclaimed, the province will have two years from that date to begin action against tobacco companies.
Health Minister Mike Murphy said that the government will work hard to keep New Brunswickers from smoking, while also ensuring that tobacco companies are made liable for the pain and suffering caused by their products.
"Cigarettes and other tobacco products are responsible for many preventable deaths from cancers, heart disease and lung disease," Murphy said. "This is why our government is determined to work with stakeholders to keep New Brunswickers from smoking or using other tobacco products, and to help those who already smoke to quit. And it's why we believe that tobacco companies must be held accountable for the harm done to the health of individuals, and for the burden borne by taxpayers to provide health care to those who become sick from using tobacco products.''
This move is part of a comprehensive approach to eliminating tobacco use in the province.
06/12/21
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Kilfoil, communications, Office of the Attorney General, 506-453-6543; Johanne Le Blanc, communications, Health, 506-457-3513,
06/12/21