Light Cigarettes
A class action lawsuit has been filed in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador on behalf of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who purchased so-called "light" and "mild" cigarettes. The lawsuit alleges that the defendant, Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited, engaged in "deceptive trade practices" contrary to the Trade Practices Act in the marketing of its light cigarette brands.The lawsuit is the second of its kind in Canada, and comes in the wake of a $10.1 billion judgment against American tobacco giant, Philip Morris, in a light cigarette class action trial in that country. The first such Canadian suit was taken by the firm Klein Lyons in British Columbia in May 2003. Certification in the BC suit was granted on February 8, 2005 and was upheld on appeal.
Health Canada has called for a voluntary ban on the use of the descriptors "light" and "mild" in the marketing of cigarettes. Canadian tobacco companies have so far refused to comply with this ban.
Ches Crosbie, lawyer for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit explained, "The courts exist to protect the public and to punish corporate misconduct. Our clients' goals in fighting this class action are to support Health Canada's efforts to hold Imperial Tobacco accountable for its actions."
Certification in the Newfoundland and Labrador action was argued during September 2007. Mr. Justice Adams, the case management judge, reserved his decision.
For more information, please contact:
Sheri Geehan
Ches Crosbie Barristers
Toll Free: 1-888-579-3262
Telephone: 579-4000
Email: ccb@chescrosbie.nf.net
Statement of Claim
Application of Class Certification
Third Party Notice of Claim
Sheri Geehan
Ches Crosbie Barristers
Toll Free: 1-888-579-3262
Telephone: 579-4000
Email: ccb@chescrosbie.nf.net
Statement of Claim
Application of Class Certification
Third Party Notice of Claim
Free Book
Free Consultation
Please complete this short form and a representative of the firm will contact you to discuss it in more detail.
Ches Crosbie Barristers
169 Water Street
St. John's, NL
A1C 1B1
Phone: (709) 579-4000
Fax: (709) 579-9671
Toll Free: (888) 579-3262
Get Directions