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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

Rothmans, Benson and Hedges lobbying BC for details on bill that would open the door for lawsuits against vaping companies (Investigative Journalism Foundation)

A major tobacco company reported repeatedly communicating with BC government officials about a new bill that would allow the province to sue e-cigarette manufacturers for the public health costs associated with vaping. 

The company reported communicating with Attorney General Niki Sharma and Premier David Eby’s chief of staff about the scope and details of a bill “where the province is going after wrongdoers to recover the costs of public-health harms their products cause to people.” It also reported communicating with more than a dozen MLAs about “any new legislative or regulatory proposals or policies relating to tobacco and/or vaping.” ...

... Kevin Hemmat, a spokesperson for the BC Ministry of the Attorney General, said the general response to Bill 24 has been positive. "British Columbians appreciate that not only will bad faith actors be punished for wrong doings, but also that the province will not be on the hook for fixing the harm caused."

But major tobacco companies like Rothmans, Benson and Hedges argue vaping and nicotine products can be a safer alternative for people looking to quit smoking cigarettes ...

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