Tobacco Companies Unlikely to Change Business Models Despite Proposed Settlement, Says Expert
According to a recent proposal, tobacco companies in Canada may be required to pay up to $19 billion in damages to smokers who were addicted to their products. However, despite this potential settlement, one expert believes that these companies are unlikely to shift their business models.
Professor David Sweanor, an adjunct law professor at the University of Ottawa, explains that tobacco companies have a long history of denying responsibility for the harm caused by their products. He notes that even if they were to pay the proposed settlement, it would only be a fraction of the profits they have made from selling addictive and harmful products.
Sweanor also points out that tobacco companies have a track record of finding ways to continue selling their products, even in the face of legal challenges. For example, when the Canadian government introduced graphic warning labels on cigarette packages, the companies simply found ways to make the labels less visible.
Furthermore, Sweanor argues that tobacco companies have already diversified their business models to include other products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. These products are marketed as being less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but there is still debate over their long-term health effects.
In addition, Sweanor believes that the proposed settlement may not even be enough to cover the costs of treating smoking-related illnesses. He suggests that the government should instead focus on implementing stricter regulations and increasing taxes on tobacco products to discourage their use.
Despite the potential for a large settlement, it seems that tobacco companies are unlikely to change their business models or take responsibility for the harm caused by their products. As the debate over the proposed settlement continues, it is clear that the issue of tobacco control will remain a contentious and complex issue.
