A coalition of prominent health organizations is applauding the passage of Bill 48.

The Crown's Right of Recovery Act allows the Alberta government to sue tobacco companies to recover a portion of healthcare costs related to tobacco use.

Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and New Brunswick have already initiated lawsuits against the tobacco industry to recover Medicare costs.

Ontario and Quebec are suing for $50 billion and $30 billion respectively.

Les Hagen with Action on Smoking & Health is urging the Alberta government to initiate a lawsuit as soon as possible, in combination with the other provinces.

He estimates Alberta could sue for well over $10 billion.

Hagen adds now is also the time for the province to act to win important marketing restrictions from the tobacco industry.

An estimated 3,000 Albertans die from tobacco-related illnesses each year.

(sb)