The Edmonton Journal reports that Alberta is teeing up a $ 10 billion claim against big tobacco, and litigation also is being teed up by the other Canadian provinces which have not yet filed tobacco litigation.
"EDMONTON — The Alberta government is set to launch one of the largest legal actions in the province’s history, a $10-billion lawsuit against the tobacco industry to recover decades worth of smoking-related health care costs.
Premier Alison Redford said the province is finalizing the statement of claim, which is expected to be filed within the next two weeks.
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Alberta will be the fifth province to file suit against Big Tobacco, joining British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The remaining five province have signalled their intention to also file lawsuits.
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Several of the provinces have united by hiring the same law firm to represent them. Alberta has hired its own legal representatives, known as Tobacco Recovery Lawyers LLP, but Health Minister Fred Horne said the decision to have separate counsel does not mean Alberta will avoid collaborating with the other provinces."