The following is being distributed at the request of the Conference of Atlantic Premiers:

Class Action Suit Against Tobacco Companies

Atlantic premiers meeting in St. John's today expressed concern over the health and cost impacts of smoking and the appalling damage being done to young Atlantic Canadians.

Premiers noted with interest the progress of class action suits against tobacco companies in the United States.

Premiers agreed to ask their attorney generals to explore the feasibility of the Atlantic provinces initiating litigation against the tobacco products' manufacturers for the health-related costs associated with smoking and provide a report to them. Premiers will seek the support of their colleagues at the 1997 Annual Premiers Conference to join them in exploring such action.

For further information please contact:

• Kim Thomson
  Information Officer
  Conference of Atlantic Premiers
  P.O. Box 2044
  Halifax, NS B3J 2Z1
  Tel: 902-424-7590