Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement in response to British Columbia receiving its first payment as part of the historic litigation against tobacco companies:

“Today marks an important milestone for British Columbians, as the Province begins to receive the $936-million initial payment from the historic $32.5-billion settlement in the lawsuit against tobacco companies. In total, B.C. will receive in excess of $3.6 billion over the next 18 years.

“No amount of money will ever bring back the people we’ve lost to tobacco-related illnesses, nor will it make up for those lives ruined by addiction. However, this is a welcome step in our mission to see justice delivered to British Columbians. A special thanks to those who have worked tirelessly alongside government over the past three decades to see this monumental achievement through.

“The message this victory sends should be clear to all. We will not stand idly by while multinational companies engage in deceptive practices that cause widespread harm at significant cost to people. As Attorney General, I am committed to using every tool at my disposal, whether that is legislation, regulation or litigation, to hold bad-faith actors accountable for their actions and ensure that it is them and not taxpayers who pay to fix the damage caused.

“Regardless of any settlements or future payments, our government will continue to invest in cancer treatment, primary care and treatment research, and to promote smoking cessation for the benefit of all British Columbians.

“Our top priority has always been and will always be keeping British Columbians safe, no matter how large an adversary or how long and difficult a journey we face.”