The Quebec government has tabled new legislation that if passed would allow the province to seek damages from cigarette manufacturers for health care costs related to tobacco illnesses.

The Tobacco Related Damages and Health Care Cost Recovery Act accuses cigarette manufacturers of failing to provide adequate warning of health risks associated with smoking.

It's too early to say what kind of damages would be sought if the legislation passes — whether it would be in the millions or billions, Health Minister Yves Bolduc told reporters in Quebec City.

"We have to first give ourselves a bill to work with, and then we can establish the amount of money to recoup," he said in French.

It's possible Quebec will work in concert with other provinces interested in seeking similar damages, he said.

"Damages have been paid in the past, and we believe we are capable of [making a case]," Bolduc said. "We have shouldered costs over several years."

Ontario tabled similar legislation in March, and Alberta followed suit earlier this week. British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba already have similar tobacco laws on the books.