Quebec Superior Court Justice Brian Riordan began deliberating the class-action suit seeking nearly CAD 20 billion (EUR 14 billion) from tobacco companies in a trial that lasted nearly three years, the Canadian Press reported.

Three cigarette companies, Imperial Tobacco Canada; Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and JTI-Macdonald argued they are not liable because dangers of smoking were known for decades, the Canadian Press said. Plaintiffs, including about one million Quebecers, countered the companies hid the dangers.
Legal proceedings began in 1998, and the case initially valued at CAD 27 billion went to trial in March, 2012, the Canadian Press said. A 2013 ruling reduced the number of eligible plaintiffs, the news agency said.