Quebec is preparing to launch a lawsuit against the tobacco industry to recoup medical costs for smoking-related illnesses.

CBC News has learned that Quebec's Liberal government is intent on filing a $30-billion lawsuit later this fall.

Tobacco companies should have to pay the cost of treating sick smokers, and "I think we have the right to claim money from them," said Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc.

"In the past they have caused harm to the population, because of [smoking]," Bolduc said. "The goal is to seek money to compensate [for] the problems that we've had."

Canada's largest cigarette maker, Imperial Tobacco, called the move a cash grab and "pure hypocrisy by the government of Quebec," said spokesman Eric Gagnon. Quebec already collects hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes from the legal sale of tobacco.

The health risks associated with smoking have been known for years, Gagnon said.

The lawsuit follows in the steps of the Tobacco-related Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act, legislation adopted by Quebec's national assembly this summer.

The law accuses cigarette manufacturers of failing to provide adequate warning of health risks associated with smoking.

The lawsuit is similar to one filed in Ontario last week.

Quebec spends about $1 billion a year treating people suffering from smoking-related illnesses, Bolduc said.