Canadian Cancer Society applauds historic Quebec Court of Appeal judgment upholding liability of tobacco companies

MONTREAL, March 1, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society applauds today's historic Quebec Court of Appeal judgment holding the tobacco industry accountable for the vast harm it has inflicted.

The Quebec Court of Appeal unanimously (5-0) upheld the 2015 Quebec Supreme Court finding of liability against the tobacco industry, with the industry now liable to pay approximately $17 billion in damages.

"The tobacco industry has engaged in decades of wrongful behaviour resulting in vast suffering, disease and death," says Rob Cunningham, lawyer and Senior Policy Analyst for the Canadian Cancer Society. "It is a matter of justice that the tobacco industry be held to account for the devastation caused by its actions.  The unanimous judgment represents a complete and resounding defeat for the tobacco industry."

About the Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society

Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society, 613-762-4624