Tobacco Giants to Pay $32.5 Billion in Historic Canadian Settlement

The agreement aims to resolve decades of litigation over health impacts, benefiting provinces, territories, and affected smokers.

The settlement involves JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, and Imperial Tobacco Canada, who will compensate for health-related claims.
Approximately $24.8 billion is designated for healthcare systems across provinces and territories, while $4.2 billion is allocated to Quebec plaintiffs.
Eligible smokers in Quebec may receive up to $100,000 each, with additional funds available for those diagnosed between 2015 and 2019 elsewhere in Canada.
The proposed plan requires approval from claimants and the court, with initial payments expected to begin in early 2025.
A national foundation will receive $1 billion to combat tobacco-related diseases, marking a significant public health investment.