A major change has happened in Canada. On March 6, 2025, a court approved a new tobacco settlement. This means money will now go to the provinces and to certain people who became sick from smoking.
If you smoked for many years, or if you have lung problems now, this information may help you or your family. This blog explains the settlement, who may qualify for compensation, and what steps you can take next.
What This Settlement is About
After almost 30 years in court, Canada’s major tobacco companies agreed to pay $32.5 billion.
This money has two parts:
1) Money for Provinces and Territories
Most of the settlement goes to governments to help cover health-care costs caused by tobacco.
New Brunswick will receive a total of $614 million over several years.
2) Money for Individuals Who Got Sick From Smoking
Some funds are set aside for people who developed certain lung diseases after smoking tobacco sold by the companies involved.
This blog focuses on the individual part, because many people have not been told they might qualify.
How Can Individuals Get Money?
Some people can apply for individual compensation.
This comes through the Pan-Canadian Claimants (PCC) Compensation Plan.
Here is who may qualify:
✔ People who smoked a lot between 1950 and 1998
(The settlement requires at least “twelve pack-years”: 87,600 cigarettes.)
Details: Tobacco Claims Canada
✔ People diagnosed between March 8, 2015 and March 8, 2019 with:
• Lung cancer
• Throat cancer (larynx, hypopharynx, or oropharynx)
• COPD / emphysema (GOLD Stage 3 or 4)
✔ People who lived in Canada at the time of their diagnosis
✔ People who were alive on March 8, 2019
If the person has since passed away, their family or estate may apply.
You can check full details or start your registration here:
https://www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca/en
Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, it is still worth reading the website or asking a family member, friend, or health care worker to help you understand it.
Why This Matters for Long-Time Smokers
Many people smoked because:
• it was the norm at the time and heavily advertised
• Health warnings became public long after many people started smoking
• Nicotine is highly addictive and difficult to quit, even if you are very motivated to do so
This settlement acknowledges that many Canadians became sick because of tobacco.
If you have lung problems now — COPD, emphysema, lung cancer, or throat cancer — this settlement may offer some support.
And even if you do not qualify for money yourself, this settlement could still help improve lung health programs in New Brunswick. But this will only happen if the public speaks up and shows that lung health matters.
NB Lung is one of the only organizations meeting with government leaders to push for better respiratory care, stronger prevention programs, and protection for future generations.
What NB Lung Recommends New Brunswick’s Government To Do With the Money
We are asking the provincial government to use the settlement money to help people who smoked for many years and people living with lung disease today.
We believe the funding should support:
- Better lung-cancer screening
Earlier detection leads to better outcomes.
- Early diagnosis and treatment for COPD
Many people are diagnosed too late. Earlier care means better breathing and fewer hospital stays.
- More support for people with lung disease
Including pulmonary rehab, breathing programs, and home supports, including coverage for oxygen tanks.
- Better programs to help people quit
Quitting is difficult, and support makes it easier and more successful.
- Stronger youth prevention programs
We must keep the next generation from becoming addicted to tobacco or vaping.
What You Can Do Right Now
These simple steps can help you, your family, and your community:
- Share This Information
Many long-time smokers and people with lung disease do not know this settlement exists. Sharing it can help someone understand their options.
- Visit the Official Settlement Website
Ask a family member, friend, or support worker to help you look through the information.
Official site: https://www.tobaccoclaimscanada.ca/en
This website explains who can apply, what documents you may need, and how to start a claim.
- Add Your Voice: Tell Government to Protect Youth and Invest Settlement Money in Lung Health
If you want a healthier future for your children, grandchildren, and community, we invite you to sign NB Lung’s updated letter. This letter calls on government leaders to do two important things:
1) Use the tobacco settlement money to improve lung health in New Brunswick
The letter urges the government to invest the settlement funds in programs that help people living with lung disease today, including cancer screening, COPD care, quitting supports, and youth prevention programs.
2) Protect the next generation through a Smoke-Free Generation law
This law would make sure youth born after a certain year can never legally buy tobacco or vaping products. It does not affect adults who already smoke. It is about prevention — stopping addiction before it starts.
Add Your Voice. Click HERE to Send A Letter Today.
NB Lung will continue working to ensure this settlement is used to improve lung health outcomes in New Brunswick — helping the people who need support the most.
Sign Our Letter Today
Help Ensure the Settlement Funding is Invested in the Lung Health of All New Brunswickers