RJR-MacDonald Inc., et al. v. Attorney General of Canada

Tobacco companies challenged the constitutionality of the Tobacco Products Control Act, which regulates the advertisement of tobacco products and the health warnings that must be placed on the products. The companies claimed that Parliament had acted outside the scope of its power in adopting the Act and that the Act violated their right to freedom of expression. In this decision, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that enforcement of the Act should remain in effect while the case is being decided because of the strong public interest in favor of the Act.  

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RJR-MacDonald Inc., et al. v. Attorney General of Canada 1 R.C.S. (1994).

  • Canada
  • Mar 3, 1994
  • Supreme Court of Canada

Parties

Plaintiff

  • Imperial Tobacco Ltd.
  • RJR - MacDonald Inc.

Defendant Attorney General of Canada

Third Party

  • Attorney General of Quebec
  • Canadian Cancer Society
  • Canadian Council on Smoking and Health
  • Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
  • Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada

Legislation Cited

Tobacco and Vaping Products Act

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Tobacco Products Control Regulations

Related Documents

Type of Litigation

Tobacco Control Topics

Substantive Issues

Type of Tobacco Product

None