Saskatchewan getting $700 million in national tobacco settlement

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This article was published 10/03/2025 (263 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

REGINA – Saskatchewan is getting about $700 million as part of a settlement that will see three big tobacco companies pay out billions in compensation to provinces, territories and former smokers across the country.

An Ontario court last week approved a $32.5-billion settlement between JTI-Macdonald Corp.; Rothmans, Benson & Hedges; and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. and their creditors.

Those include plaintiffs in two Quebec class-action lawsuits as well as provincial and territorial governments looking to recoup smoking-related health-care costs.

Officials say it’s the largest deal of its kind in Canadian history and the third largest in the world.

Saskatchewan Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill says the province is pleased with the Ontario court’s decision and the money will go toward ongoing cancer care and prevention efforts.

Officials say the settlement will help health-care systems offer improved treatment and care, give meaningful compensation from tobacco companies to victims of smoking, and provide accountability to cigarette manufacturers for past conduct and wrongful practices.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2025.