P.E.I. could join N.B.'s tobacco lawsuit
Last Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2009 | 4:46 PM AT
CBC News
The P.E.I. government is seriously looking at joining New Brunswick in a lawsuit against tobacco companies.
Premier Robert Ghiz told CBC News Thursday the province is too small to launch a suit on its own, so it makes sense to team up with New Brunswick. The lawsuit would try to recover health-care costs associated with the use of tobacco products.
"Tobacco has contributed a lot to the health costs here in Canada, and the premise is the tobacco companies have made a lot at the expense of health care," Ghiz said.
"If there is a chance that we'll be able to recoup some money that we can put into perhaps covering more drugs in our health-care system or improving services, I think it's a good thing."
Ghiz said legislation would have to be passed to give the province the authority to launch the legal action, and the legislative review committee has been instructed to get the legislation ready. He said it could be tabled during this session of the legislature.
Several other provinces are already pursuing legal challenges against tobacco companies.
Share Tools
Latest Prince Edward Island News Headlines
- Liquor store discussion heats up legislature
- The Opposition raised questions in the provincial legislature Friday over the decision to close the Wood Islands liquor store. more »
- EI rules will hurt primary trades, says P.E.I. premier
- While reaction continues to brew over Thursday's announcement about changes to the Employment Insurance program, P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz says provincial officials will be meeting with the federal government to discuss how the new rules will affect Islanders. more »
- HST to hit low-income earners hardest
- Although the proposed harmonized sales tax is good for business, it will hit low-income Islanders the hardest when it's rung in next April, said economists. more »
- Charlottetown businessman named to Order of Canada
- Charlottetown's Fred Hyndman was inducted as a member of the Order of Canada Friday. more »
Top News Headlines
- Everest victim's husband says family not seeking government help
- The husband of a Toronto woman who died trying to climb Mt. Everest on Saturday says his family is not seeking government help to cover the cost of bringing his wife's body home. more »
- Henrique's OT goal sends Devils into Stanley Cup final
- The New Jersey Devils will vie for a potential fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history after completing a six-game series win Friday night over the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference final, courtesy of rookie Adam Henrique's goal early in overtime. more »
- Employment Insurance review boards to be scrapped
- The federal government is scrapping two review boards used by people appealing decisions made about their employment insurance. more »
- Teens share bullying tales in confession booth
- Raw stories about bullying emerged when a video booth was set up inside a Quebec high school. more »
- EI rules will hurt primary trades, says P.E.I. premier
- P.E.I. quality of life second-worst, says study
- HST to hit low-income earners hardest
- 902 numbers running out in N.S., P.E.I.
- Islanders worried over EI changes
- Charlottetown businessman named to Order of Canada
- Atlantic Lottery replacing old VLTs
- Tourism P.E.I. handed out $60,000 in free golf passes
- Red Shores Raceway's fastest horse put down
