Tobacco Settlement Compensation: Claims Process Now Open
For the first time in Canadian history, some people who smoked and later developed serious tobacco-related illnesses have the chance to receive compensation for the harm caused by the tobacco industry.
The national tobacco settlement is finalized, and the claims process is now open. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some Manitobans and others across the country who were directly harmed by tobacco to seek justice and financial support.
Tobaccoclaimscanada.ca is the official claims administrator where you can learn more about the settlement, eligibility requirements, documentation needed and submit your claim.
Who Can Make a Claim
There are specific eligibility requirements, and not everyone who has smoked or become ill from smoking is eligible. Eligibility includes:
Smoked at least 87,600 cigarettes manufactured by Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges, or JTI-Macdonald between January 1, 1950 and November 20, 1998.
Diagnosed between March 8, 2015 and March 8, 2019 with lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, or COPD (GOLD Grade III or IV).
Resident of Canada at the time of diagnosis and remain a resident at the time of submitting your claim.
Alive on March 8, 2019.
Claims can also be made on behalf of loved ones who meet these conditions and passed away on or after March 8, 2019.
What Compensation Looks Like
The amount of compensation varies depending on when someone began smoking and their diagnosis. For those who qualify, compensation can range up to tens of thousands of dollars. Payments vary but may fall between $14,400 and $60,000.
How to Get Started
The claims process is now open and will remain available until September 3, 2027.
To find out if you qualify, start by taking the short online Eligibility Quiz.
If you’re ready to make a claim, you can create an account and file directly through the official site.
You’ll need documentation, such as proof of diagnosis, to complete your claim. If obtaining this feels overwhelming, the claims agent can provide free support to help you through the process:
Website: https://www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca
Phone: 1-888-482-5852
You do not need a lawyer to submit a claim.
The Tobacco Settlement in Canada
Tobacco has left a devastating legacy across Manitoba and Canada. For decades, the health impacts have been measured in lost lives, grieving families, and billions in health care costs.
This claims process offers some recognition and financial compensation to certain people. It’s a chance for some Manitobans to seek justice and support that, until now, was unimaginable.
The broader national settlement totals $32.5 billion. Most of that money will go to provinces and territories to recover health care costs. For individuals outside of Quebec impacted by certain tobacco-related illnesses, the $2.5 billion claims fund is open now.
MANTRA does not offer legal or medical advice. The claims administrator should be deemed accurate in the event of any discrepancy between MANTRA Inc. and the claims administrator. Visit the official website for the most up-to-date information: www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca