TORONTO, March 4 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society welcomes the Ontario
government's legislation enabling cost-recovery litigation against the tobacco
industry.
The Society has been advocating for several years for legislation that
would hold accountable an industry responsible for 30% of cancer deaths.
"We're pleased the government has listened and taken action," says Peter
Goodhand, CEO, Ontario Division, Canadian Cancer Society. "In addition to
recovering costs, the suit will hold the tobacco industry to account for the
harm it has caused Ontarians and their families."
Cost-recovery litigation could significantly benefit public health. In
other jurisdictions, litigation has resulted in restrictions on marketing
practices of the tobacco industry.
"We call for the swift passage of the legislation and the timely filing
of a law suit against the industry," added Goodhand. "This will remind all
Ontarians that this is an industry that operates outside the rules of a normal
business."Benefits of litigation
The benefits of litigation include:
- Justice: A lawsuit against the tobacco industry will hold it
accountable for the industry's destructive behaviour.
- Truth: Through the court process, information on the tobacco
industry's deceptive practices will become public.
- Compensation: Potentially billions of dollars could be recovered as
compensation for health care and other costs.
- Health: Litigation could result in greater restrictions on tobacco
industry marketing and sales practices.
Background
- 13,000 people die of tobacco-related illness every year in Ontario.
- Tobacco use is responsible for 30% of cancer deaths.
- Provincial governments have spent billions of dollars to treat
tobacco related illnesses.
- Tobacco-related illness accounts for $1.6 billion in expenses.The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of
volunteers whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the improvement of
the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more
about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual
Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.
For further information: Christine Koserski, Ontario Provincial Office,
Canadian Cancer Society: (416) 323-7030; ckoserski @ontario.cancer.ca
