Vultures waiting in the wings

Canada - November 1998

The Hon. P. Priddy, B.C.'s Health Minister, is off on a trek to find some support for this Provincial Government's lawsuit against tobacco companies to "recover health care costs". There are few in this Province who believe this to be anything but a cash grab in attempt to shore up a failing economy.

First stop was Manitoba, where Health Minister Darren Praznik told her in a meeting on November 17th that he wants his Province to be next in line to take the tobacco companies to court. A spokesman for Mr. Praznik said that while Manitoba would love to be next, it won't make a decision for some time.

Could it be that this 'demurring' on entering the fray is because tobacco is fighting back in this Country with lawsuits of their own. A constitutional challenge to this type of lawsuit by government against a legal product, is just what's needed to clear the air.

The Hon. Priddy moved on to Ottawa seeking a Federal alliance. Federal Health Minister, Allan Rock, was reported as "interested in supporting the B.C. initiative in some way, but will not join the lawsuit." A few hours after that position was stated, a 'clarification' was made....."B.C. has not requested Federal participation in the lawsuit, (yet) but .....will consider such a request if it is made."

Perhaps the Federal Government should also consider the hypocrisy of B.C.'s position, and their own if they join the lawsuit. Will they clean their 'ethical slate' as well, and move to ban the product? How do you tax and grab, while viciously attacking both manufacturers and consumers, and still retain integrity?

Are we looking at PROHIBITION?