The province of Ontario plans to launch a $50-billion lawsuit against large-scale tobacco companies, CBC News reported Sept. 29.
Ontario government officials aim to recover funds equivalent to what the province claims it has spent on health-care costs related to smoking over the past 50 years. Anti-smoking groups in Ontario are calling for any recovered money to be channelled into public health initiatives, rather than general government spending.
British Columbia and New Brunswick have launched similar lawsuits to reclaim funds spent on tobacco-related care.
Ontario is justified in holding tobacco companies responsible for health care costs. In a society where smoking and its heavily advertised image have worked their way into pop culture, the onus to pay for the consequences should rest with the industry that started the trouble. Unlike other industries considered harmful to health like producers of junk food and alcohol, cigarette companies have the advantage of addiction. The tobacco industry preys on consumers who establish a habit they can’t break. And unlike the McDonald’s or Merlot that can be enjoyed in moderation, smoking is directly related to lung cancer.
This $50 billion is better in the hands of the government than in the clutches of cigarette manufacturers.
Anti-smoking advocacy groups are proactive in suggesting any funds recovered from this lawsuit should go to public health projects. Spending money on education campaigns and cracking down on convenience store clerks who sell to minors are both good steps toward removing cigarettes from our culture.
Increasing the cost of tobacco products would also be a powerful step to reduce future health problems. Prohibitive costs from high taxation would lower demand for cigarettes.
Making cigarettes less accessible is the best way to curb destructive habits. Moving to illegalize tobacco products would only increase the underground market for contraband cigarettes, resulting in fewer regulations and easier access for teenagers.
Young people are vulnerable to their parents’ choices about cigarettes and glamorous ad campaigns target teens, the generation most likely to become addicted. Smoking is an endemic part of our culture, and those who are addicted will find a way to feed their harmful cravings.
This is a phenomenon the tobacco industry is responsible for creating, and one they should be obligated to pay for.
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