In Canada, a decision before an Ontario court has just upheld the stay of legal proceedings against three major tobacco companies. This is a real setback for tobacco victims who will have to wait a little longer.
FAST PROTECTION OF CREDITORS FOR TOBACCO INDUSTRIES
This summary decision was awaited by the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health, which reserves its comments after the release of the judge's reasons shortly. Companies JTI-Macdonald, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges et Imperial Tobacco Canada had been protected from their creditors last month after losing an appeal in a multi-billion dollar case in Quebec.
the 1er In March, Quebec's highest court upheld a landmark judgment ordering companies to pay more than $ 15 billion to smokers who participated in two class actions.
However, the tobacco companies quickly gained creditors' protection in Ontario, staying all legal proceedings so that a comprehensive settlement could be negotiated with all those who have claims against them, including class action members and several provincial governments.
The Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health points out that the most recent Ontario Superior Court decision rendered in writing on Wednesday does not specify the duration of such a stay of proceedings either. The lawyers of the organization defending the cause of Quebec smokers sick or addicted to tobacco pleaded to lift the suspension and refer the case to the Quebec Court of Appeal.
The creditors protection order, obtained in Ontario by the manufacturers, ensures that none of these companies have to pay any money at this time, pending the eventual hearing of the case in the Supreme Court of Canada. The Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health said at the beginning of the month to see it as a "denial of justice" for the victims.
Source : Lapresse.ca
