Imperial Tobacco Canada said it has filed a legal challenge to overturn the ban on menthol flavoured cigarettes that took effect this year in New Brunswick.

"By prohibiting the sale of menthol cigarettes, the government of New Brunswick has stepped beyond its legislative authority, which leaves us with no other choice than to bring this matter before the courts," said Tamara Gitto, company legal affairs spokesperson, in a statement distributed by Canada Newswire (CNW).