Years after provinces sued to recoup health – care costs, initiatives to reduce smoking during negotiations for a settlement with tobacco companies were encouraged by three national health organizations approaching Canada’s premiers.
Government should make reducing tobacco use, one of the major priorities, in the discussion that was initiated four years ago, stated by an open letter from the Canadian cancer society, the Canadian lung association, and Heart and stroke foundation. Province’s lawsuit seeking a combined $500 billion in damages.
A devastating outcome in death and diseases due to tobacco use, contributing to the ongoing crisis in the health – care sector, the group informed in the document.
10 provinces, including British Colombia, filed lawsuits against Rothmans, JTI – Macdonald Corp, Imperial tobacco company Ltd, and Benson & Hedges Inc, including their parent corporations.
At least 10% of the settlement should be used for long-term funding, to minimize smoking, the health organization informs. They are also requesting for a ban on tobacco promotions, and to publicly disclose millions of papers of internal documents.
A spokeswoman for the B.C ministry of the attorney general, before the letter was released said, no comment will be provided on any plans, the province may contain to minimize tobacco use following a settlement.
Following a landmark judgment ruled by the Quebec Court of Appeal, demanding the companies to pay nearly $14 billion in damages to individuals who smoke and become addicted and ill. The firm’s preference for profits over their customer’s health, customers who are still awaiting settlement.
Tobacco companies can relieve themselves from bankruptcy protection in a settlement only when agreed by all provinces, ensuring that the government have room to negotiate strict measures, said by a lawyer and senior policy analysis for the Canadian cancer society, Rob Cunningham.
Cunningham informs, that this opportunity is unique and one–time, to reduce and control the industry, and should make full advantage of it. The sole purpose why the provinces sued was the cost of health care, he informed. He added 16 types of cancer and various diseases, including cancer of the throat, lungs, pancreas, and esophagus are related to tobacco use.
