Ontario’s Doctors Applaud Government for Taking Action Against Tobacco

Toronto, March 4, 2009 – The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is commending the Ontario government for introducing legislation to enable the province to recover the health care costs associated with the burden caused by tobacco-related illness.  

“Ontario’s doctors see firsthand the health effects of smoking on their patients,” said Dr. Ken Arnold, President of the OMA.  “The risks associated with smoking have long been documented and tobacco companies should be held accountable for the health care dollars spent on treating tobacco-related illness.  This legislation is a step toward that goal and we look forward to working with the government as it moves forward with its plan.”

Studies have shown smoking causes diseases which cost the Ontario healthcare system $1.6 billion every year.  Studies have also shown that there is no safe level of use for cigarettes and that smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and death in Ontario.

The OMA has a long-standing interest in tobacco use and the resulting illness for smokers, and the health effects of second-hand smoke.  Since 1983, the OMA has been voicing its concern about the impacts of smoking and has been a strong advocate for legislation to protect patients.  Most recently, the OMA called for the provincial government to call for a ban on smoking in cars with children and was extremely pleased with legislation that came into effect earlier this year.  

British Columbia and New Brunswick have already moved forward with cost recovery litigation, while Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland have passed legislation allowing such lawsuits.  In response to the BC claim, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that international tobacco parent companies are liable for their Canadian subsidiaries and can be sued.

Health care cost recovery litigation was initially pursued by a group of four U.S. states in the mid-1990s, and led to the 50-state 1999 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) with the tobacco industry. Under this settlement industry agreed to pay $246 billion over a 25 year period as repayment of health care costs that resulted from the use of its products.

For further information: OMA Media Relations at (416) 340-2862 or toll-free at 1-800-268-7215 ext. 2862