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Imperial Tobacco Challenges Quebec Law Banning Flavoured Tobacco, Menthol Smokes

The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2016 12:12 PM

MONTREAL — Imperial Tobacco has filed a legal challenge against Quebec's law banning flavoured tobacco.

The Montreal-based firm suggests the government's move to prohibit flavoured tobacco and menthol cigarettes will help fuel the contraband trade.

It says a number of provisions were tacked on at the last minute and without properly considering the constitutional rights of those affected by the measures.

The law came into effect at the end of November.

The company also argues the packaging restrictions go beyond federal government requirements.

Imperial vice-president Tamara Gitto says the firm recognizes the health risks associated with smoking and supports fact-based regulation, but will oppose anything deemed excessive regulation.

"Legal action is not something we want to undertake, nor something we enter into lightly, but Quebec's Bill 44 unjustifiably infringes upon our constitutional rights as a legal company," Gitto said in a statement Tuesday.

The wide-ranging bill also covers smoking on restaurant patios, inside vehicles with minors and the sale of e-cigarettes.

Imperial is challenging a menthol cigarette ban in Nova Scotia, arguing the province exceeded its legal authority with the ban.

Nova Scotia and Ontario introduced new rules on flavoured tobacco products, including menthol, last year.

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