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Province to file lawsuit against tobacco companies; seeks $10B

The Alberta government is filing a $10-billion lawsuit against tobacco companies.
B05_Smoking_Ban
New research from Scotland found bans that force smokers to butt out have numerous health benefits. One positive result is that fewer children with asthma are being hospitalized.

EDMONTON — The Alberta government is filing a $10-billion lawsuit against tobacco companies.

Premier Alison Redford says that figure represents the province’s health-care costs associated with smoking-related illnesses.

Alberta joins British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador in lawsuits against tobacco manufacturers.

Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec are expected to file similar lawsuits.

Redford says Alberta’s legal action is part of a renewed tobacco reduction strategy to be released next month.

The aim is to prevent tobacco use by youth, protect people from second-hand smoke and support those who want to quit.