On October 17, 2024, the Court appointed mediator, and monitors filed a proposed plan to resolve the claims against Canada’s three largest tobacco companies, JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited. If approved, the tobacco companies will pay $32.5 billion over a period of several years. $24.7 billion will be paid to the provinces and territories, $6.6 billion to individuals who experienced defined smoking-related diseases, or their survivors, and $1 billion to a new national foundation for research into cancer and other smoking-related diseases.
The court will issue an order for claimants to vote on the plan. That vote is tentatively set to occur on or before December 12. If at least half of the claimants representing at least two-thirds of the value of the claims vote in favour of the plan, the next step is a court hearing for final approval. That hearing would be early next year.
Canadian smokers who were diagnosed between March 8, 2015, and March 8, 2019 with lung cancer, throat cancer or COPD (Grade III or IV) may be eligible for compensation if the plans are approved. Additional compensation is available for residents of Quebec diagnosed before March 12, 2012. Details on the criteria for compensation are in the proposed plans.
The Knight class action will be resolved as part of the proposed plans.
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“The negotiations were conducted by plaintiffs’ counsel with experience in class proceedings.”
“I am satisfied it is apparent from the material, which is complicated, and, I might say very well organized...”
“Plaintiff’s counsel are senior members of the bar who have extensive experience in personal injury litigation and class actions..”
“Mr. Klein is experienced and able in relation to class proceedings. Over time he has acquired expertise that permits him to make a valuable contribution...”
“The lead class counsel is experienced and has been recognized by the courts in approving settlements in other class actions.”
“Counsel for the plaintiffs in the various jurisdictions appear to be experienced in class proceedings, and to be recognized as skilled litigators.”
“…Plaintiff’s counsel retained the British Columbia law firm of Klein Lawyers to assist in the litigation. That firm has extensive experience...”
“Klein Lawyers is a litigation firm focusing on class actions. The firm is based in Vancouver but also has a Toronto office.”
“The proposed Class Counsel have excellent qualifications…”
“Mr. Klein of Klein Lawyers has over 20 years of experience in the field of class action litigation and has appeared as plaintiffs’ counsel in over 25 certified class actions...”
“Class counsel, Klein Lawyers LLP and Kim Orr Barristers P.C., are highly experienced in class action litigation. Both firms have practiced in the specialized area of class action litigation for over 20 years”
“British Columbia class counsel took on this case on a contingency basis, and faced a real risk of not being paid at all for their services.”
“Class counsel pursued this litigation to completion on their own rather than with a consortium of counsel from various provinces.”
“Klein Lawyers has continuously posted updates about the case on its website during the litigation, and has posted the court decisions...”
“There is little doubt that the lawyers of the firm expended a great deal of time in prosecuting the action, in negotiating a settlement...”
“…Class counsel undertook an extensive communication plan to advise potential class members of the proposed settlement and to advise them of the...”
