Jump to full article: Canada Newswire (CNW) (ca), 2005-09-29
Author: IMPERIAL TOBACCO CANADA
Intro: Today's Supreme Court of Canada's ruling reassures Imperial Tobacco Canada that it can have a fair trial and bring forward all the relevant information in any legal action undertaken by the B.C. government under the Tobacco Damages and Health Care Recovery Act.
The company intends to vigorously defend itself in any trial initiated by that province.
It must be remembered that the decision rendered today does not in any way find any tobacco company to be liable, but merely allows the action already taken by the provincial government to continue.
"This case is not about tobacco and it's not about health, it's about abuse of power and a grotesque cash grab by the government. The B.C. legislation is a blueprint for any government in this country to facilitate a lawsuit against any industry or any person or group of persons that a provincial government decides to target," said Don McCarty, general counsel of Imperial Tobacco Canada. . . .
There is a better way. As a tobacco company we operate under the strict regulation of both federal and provincial governments. We believe a more co- operative, non-confrontational relationship between the regulator and the regulated companies would serve everyone's interest.
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Quotes from this article:
This case is not about tobacco and it's not about health, it's about abuse of power and a grotesque cash grab by the government. The B.C. legislation is a blueprint for any government in this country to facilitate a lawsuit against any industry or any person or group of persons that a provincial government decides to target. This decision essentially means that it is open season on any industry that any government decides to take on for its own benefit. Industries such as fast food, alcohol, gaming and others are all now fair game for a statute of this kind.
Don McCarty, general counsel of Imperial Tobacco Canada
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