Understanding the Tobacco Settlement
We’ve gathered key information about the Canadian Tobacco Settlement and the upcoming claims process to help you prepare.
All details on this page come from the official settlement website, www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca, where you’ll find the most up-to-date information. We encourage you to visit it directly for the latest updates and official announcements.
Find Out if You’re Eligible for Compensation
The Canadian Tobacco Settlement has been approved, but the claims process hasn’t started yet. That means you can’t submit a claim yet. However, the first step is to find out if you or a loved one qualifies for compensation.
To be eligible for compensation, the claimant must meet both Diagnosis and Smoking History eligibility.
1. Diagnosis
They were alive on March 8, 2019.
Between March 8, 2015 and March 8, 2019, they were diagnosed with lung cancer, throat cancer, or COPD (GOLD Grades III or IV).
They were living in Canada at the time of diagnosis.
AND
2. Smoking History
They smoked at least 12 “pack years” of cigarettes.
A pack-year is a way to measure how much someone has smoked over time. You can use this calculator to check.
12 pack years of cigarettes were smoked between January 1, 1950, and November 20, 1998.
If you or a loved one (including a person who is deceased) meet all of the above eligibility requirements, you may be eligible to make a claim when the claims process begins.
For detailed eligibility requirements, including diagnostic criteria and cigarette brands, please visit the Tobacco Claims Canada website.
Documents You’ll Need
When it’s time to submit a claim, you’ll need proof of diagnosis. The claims process may include steps to help you gather these documents, but details haven’t been released yet. It’s a good idea to prepare in advance.
Proof of Diagnosis
You’ll need one of the following documents to confirm a diagnosis:
Pathology report confirming lung cancer or throat cancer (from March 8, 2015, to March 8, 2019)
Spirometry test report showing severe COPD (GOLD Grade III or IV) (from March 8, 2015, to March 8, 2019)
Medical file extract confirming a diagnosis of lung cancer, throat cancer, or severe COPD
Physician Form (this will be available on the official claims website)
Written statement from a physician confirming the diagnosis and providing supporting medical records
If You’re Filing for a Person who is Deceased
You’ll also need:
Proof of death, such as a death certificate or a statement from a funeral provider
Legal documents proving authority to file the claim (e.g., Grant of Probate or Grant of Administration, depending on the province or territory)
For full details on required documents, please visit the Tobacco Claims Canada website.
Frequently Asked Questions
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As of March 21, 2025, the claims process has not begun.
There is only one website for Canadian residents (outside of Quebec) to submit their claims: www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca
Visit this website for all details, including submission dates, and to sign up to receive updates on the claims process as they become available.
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Yes, however:
They must meet the eligibility requirements outlined on this webpage
You will need to provide proof death, such as a Death Certificate
You will also need to provide legal documents like a Grant of Probate (if there was a Will) or Grant of Administration (if there was no Will)
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Compensation ranges depending on the type of diagnosis and other factors. Please visit the official claims website for these details: www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca
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No. The PCC Compensation Plan is specifically designed so that PCC-Claimants and their Representatives will be able to complete and submit Claim Forms without hiring third-party lawyers or other service providers offering form completion or submission services.
See the official claims website for any legal questions and details: www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca
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Please visit the official Tobacco Claims Canada website for more information.
Understanding Compensation Eligibility (Fact Sheet & Poster)
This fact sheet is designed to help potential claimants and their families understand who may be eligible for compensation under the tobacco settlement.
Available in both standard letter size and poster size.
Fact Sheet (8.5” x 11”)
Poster (11” x 17”)
Additional Resources
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Official Tobacco Claims Canada Website
The official source for claims process updates and registration; all information on our website comes from here.
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Approved Plan of Arrangement
The full legal document outlining the terms of the tobacco settlement.
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Information for Healthcare Providers
A quick guide to help healthcare professionals support patients gathering proof of diagnosis.
The Canadian Tobacco Proceedings
The Canadian Tobacco Proceedings are a series of lawsuits and settlements against big tobacco companies in Canada. These cases focus on the health problems caused by smoking and aim to get money to help people affected and cover healthcare costs.
Global Settlement Amount
After more than five years of mediation, a proposed Global Settlement of $32.5 billion was approved on March 7, 2025. The allocation of the funds includes:
$24.725 billion will be distributed among Canadian provinces and territories to recover healthcare costs related to smoking (Manitoba may receive 4.5252% of these funds).
$4.25 billion was designated for members of the Quebec class-action lawsuits (minus $131 million allocated to the Foundation).
$2.521 billion was allocated to Canadian victims from provinces outside Quebec.
$1 billion to establish the “Cy-près Foundation to fund research, programs, and initiatives focused on improving outcomes in tobacco-related diseases.
The remaining is allocated among several groups, including Tobacco Producers and administrative reserve funds.