TORONTO—An Ontario judge says he suspended legal proceedings against three tobacco giants to ensure a level playing field for all parties as the companies try to negotiate a settlement with their creditors. ( Metroland file photo )The companies were initially granted the stay last month as they sought creditor protection following the loss of a multibillion-dollar appeal in Quebec. The tobacco companies said the stay was necessary but lawyers representing the Quebec smokers argued the creditor protection process should be stopped if the companies plan to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. The companies would be able to challenge the Quebec ruling but the stay would prevent the class-action members from replying, he said. “This not only would affect the status quo but add an impediment to resolution” through creditor protection because it would distract the companies from negotiations, he wrote.

Source: thestar April 24, 2019 22:07 UTC