Tobacco companies argue Quebec law violates charter of rights

Major tobacco firms argued in a Montreal courtroom today that the law being invoked by Quebec to get $60 billion from them is unconstitutional.

The companies want the Quebec Court of Appeal to strike down the law.

They failed in a similar bid in Superior Court in March 2014.

The 2009 legislation is aimed at recouping money the province spends on health care related to tobacco.

It states the government does not have to categorically prove a direct link for all patients between their illness and exposure to tobacco products.

The cigarette companies argue that is unfair.

Today's hearing came a few weeks after Big Tobacco was ordered to pay $15 billion to smokers in Quebec in what is believed to be the biggest class-action lawsuit ever seen in Canada.

The companies are appealing that court ruling.