A proposed $32.5 billion settlement that would see three major tobacco companies compensate Canadian provinces, territories, and smokers has taken a major step forward.The deal between JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. and their creditors has been approved, according to lawyer André Lespérance. Lespérance said the result reflects a crucial milestone in a legal struggle that has lasted for decades.The creditors include provincial governments trying to recover smoking-related healthcare costs and plaintiffs from two major class-action lawsuits filed in Quebec. .OLDCORN: Health Minister Holland puts politics before effective quitting smoking methods.They voted to endorse the plan during a virtual meeting on December 12."We're not surprised, but we're glad the creditors are united right now to see this plan approved," said Lespérance, who represents plaintiffs in one of the Quebec lawsuits. "I think we're really close to the end."The settlement, announced in October after more than five years of negotiations, is not yet final..Canadian Cancer Society’s Big Pharma ties question its impartiality on quitting smoking methods.It still needs the approval of the court, with a hearing set for late January. Lespérance said he is optimistic that the court will grant its permission.Under the proposed deal, about $24 billion would go to provinces and territories, $4 billion to tens of thousands of Quebec smokers and their heirs, and more than $2.5 billion to smokers in other parts of the country. In addition, over $1 billion would fund a new foundation to help people affected by tobacco-related diseases..New vaping taxes threaten survival of Alberta’s vaping shops.Dominique Claveau, executive director of the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health, which is involved in one of the lawsuits, said the upcoming court decision could finally deliver justice for Canadians harmed by tobacco."(This) brings this long-fought battle for justice and truth to its conclusion," said Claveau.The proposed settlement marks a significant chapter in a lengthy legal saga that began with British Columbia's decision in 1998 to seek damages from tobacco companies. Dozens of lawsuits followed as provinces sought to recover costs for treating illnesses tied to smoking..Study warns nicotine pouch limits could push users back to cigarettes.In 2015, a Quebec court ordered the three companies to pay about $15 billion in two class actions involving smokers who took up the habit between 1950 and 1998, as well as their heirs. The Quebec Appeal Court upheld that ruling in 2019.British Columbia Premier David Eby welcomed the progress made through the creditor vote."Tobacco has harmed far too many people, and tobacco companies have avoided accountability for far too long," Eby said in a statement."We urge tobacco companies to take responsibility for their deceptive actions and accept this plan.".Canadian Cancer Society's government-funded lobbying raises questions.However, only some are satisfied with the proposed terms. Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) said it hopes the deal can be revised before the court approves it. CCS wants the agreement to include stronger smoking-reduction efforts and the release of confidential industry documents, similar to what happened in the U.S.Rob Cunningham, a lawyer for the CCS, said this settlement is "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to push for measures to help reduce tobacco use. .Sweden first nation worldwide to reach smoke-free goal.Manuel Arango, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, said the proposed foundation should broaden its focus beyond treatment. Arango wants the money to go toward prevention and public awareness, ensuring Canadians have the tools to quit smoking and stay healthy.The January court hearing could mark the end of a long legal battle. Until then, an order that has paused legal proceedings against the tobacco companies was extended until January 31.
