Quebec Superior Court Justice Brian Riordan held three cigarette makers liable for damages to smokers amounting to more than CAD 15 billion (EUR 11 billion) in possibly the largest civil case ever brought in Canada, Reuters reported.

British American Tobacco (BAT) subsidiary Imperial Tobacco Canada, held liable for about two thirds of the award, Philip Morris International subsidiary Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and Japan Tobacco’s JTI-Macdonald all said they would appeal.
The ruling follows a trial begun in March, 2012, and concluded late in 2014 on compensation claims for about 100,000 smokers and former smokers who alleged cigarette companies knew their product was harmful, but did not adequately warn consumers. Roots of the suits go back to 1998. CAD 131million also was awarded to 900,000 Quebec residents who said they became addicted to cigarettes, Reuters reported.
In addition to 67 per cent of the award against Imperial Canada, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges was orded to pay 20 per cent and JTI-Macdonald 13 per cent, Reuters said.