Big tobacco can be sued for health bill. Top court rules provinces can try to recoup costs.

Friday, Septenber 30, 2005

Ottawa – The Supreme court of Canada has unanimously upheld British Columbia’s legal right to sue tobacco companies for an estimated $10 – billion in smoking-related health care costs, paving the way for similar lawsuits by other provinces.

The 9-0 judgment yesterday declares constitutional all aspects of British Columbia’s legal right to sue tobacco companies.