The basis of the suit is that cigarette makers did not adequately warn people about the effects that smoking would have on their health.

Bolduc says the cigarette companies had an ample number of studies attesting to the dangers of smoking.

Bolduc says smoking costs the health system hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

The minister did not put a dollar figure on the suit, although he said the amount would be in the billions.

The case is now being studied by the justice minister and there is no indication when it would be filed with a court.

The government passed a law in June allowing such a lawsuit, following similar efforts in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick.