What Is the Canadian Federal Tobacco Settlement? 

In 2024, the federal government of Canada reached a landmark agreement with major tobacco companies, requiring them to pay $32.5 billion in compensation for the immense health, social, and economic damage caused by tobacco products. This settlement is a result of legal action taken to hold the industry accountable for decades of deceptive marketing and addiction strategies. 

Each province and territory is set to receive a share of these funds to recover healthcare costs and invest in tobacco-related harm reduction.  Saskatchewan anticipates receiving approximately $700 million, paid in installments, over the next several years. 

Full details of the ruling 

Why This Matters for Saskatchewan 

Saskatchewan continues to face high rates of commercial tobacco use and youth vaping. Over 1,500 residents die each year from smoking-related illnesses, and more than 30,000 are living with preventable chronic conditions linked to tobacco. This burden costs our province an estimated $366 million annually. 

Settlement funds give us an unprecedented opportunity to reverse this trend. Saskatchewan is set to receive approximately $700 million over several years.  Government media release March 2025  

What Should the Settlement Funds Be Used For? 

Lung Saskatchewan and partner Health organizations are urging the Government of Saskatchewan to direct less than 3% of the total claim (less than $5 million dollars), to a comprehensive tobacco and vaping reduction strategy that includes: 

•     Free and accessible quit supports and medications 
•     Public awareness campaigns 
•     Youth prevention programs 
•     Strong enforcement and retail oversight 
•     Culturally appropriate, community-based initiatives 

This type of investment offers a 20:1 return on investment in the form of lower healthcare costs and improved quality of life. 

While provincial governments may see this as a revenue windfall, and an opportunity to reduce dept, these funds come with great burden and responsibility from decades of harm and drain on the health care system, caused by the tobacco industry.  

Holding the Industry Accountable 

In addition to settlement funds, Lung Saskatchewan and partners are advocating for the implementation of a cost recovery fee on tobacco companies — similar to fees already charged in other sectors like oil, gas, cannabis, and alcohol. This would generate sustainable revenue to support prevention, treatment, and enforcement. 

What Is Tobacco Claims Canada? 

Tobacco Claims Canada is the federally managed process through which eligible Canadians can submit individual claims related to harm they or their loved ones have suffered due to tobacco use. 

This is separate from the settlement funds received by governments — it is for individual Canadians who developed illnesses as a result of smoking, or the family members of those who died from tobacco-related diseases. 

Visit Tobacco Claims Canada 

Who Should Consider Filing a Claim? 

You may be eligible to file a claim if: 

•     You are a current or former smoker who was diagnosed with lung cancer, throat cancer, or COPD/emphysema before November 2023. 
•     You are a family member or estate representative of someone who passed away due to one of these tobacco-related diseases. 

There are no upfront legal fees to file a claim, and you may be entitled to significant compensation depending on your circumstances. 

Time is limited: Claims must be submitted within the deadline window. Visit the official website for eligibility details and step-by-step guidance. 

Taking Action 

1.     Learn more at: Tobacco Claims Canada 
2.     Ask your MLA to support tobacco settlement funds being reinvested in prevention, cessation, and healthcare. 
3.     Share this page to help others know their rights. 

For more information or to get involved in our advocacy, contact us at info@lungsask.ca.