Pan-Canadian Claimants’ Compensation Plan
This page provides a summary of the key elements of the Pan-Canadian Claimants Compensation Plan (“PCC Compensation Plan”). The PCC Compensation Plan sets out the process by which Canadian tobacco victims and their heirs may submit a claim for compensation.
Plan approved by the Ontario Superior Court
On March 6, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court approved the CCAA Plans of Arrangement (“CCAA Plans”) of the three major tobacco companies in Canada, Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited, Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. and JTI-Macdonald Corp.
The Court-approved CCAA Plans set out a global resolution of tobacco claims. This resolution includes compensation and benefits for individuals affected by tobacco in Canada.
The PCC Compensation Plan is one part of that resolution and provides direct financial compensation to individuals across Canada who:
- Were diagnosed with certain tobacco-related diseases; and
- Meet specific eligibility criteria.
In addition to the PCC Compensation Plan, the overall settlement also includes:
- A Quebec Class Action Administration Plan, which provides compensation for eligible individuals in Quebec, specifically, CQTS-Blais Class Members; and
- A $1 billion Cy-près Fund, which will support tobacco-related health research and programs that will indirectly benefit individuals who are not eligible for direct compensation but have still been affected by tobacco-related harm.
The claims process for the PCC Compensation Plan has not yet begun
The start date for the claims process for the PCC Compensation Plan has not yet been determined. Please check back frequently for updates or register for updates from the Official PCC Agent.
Substantial amounts to benefit victims of tobacco harm (“Pan-Canadian Claimants”, or “PCCs”)
Under the PCC Compensation Plan, the Tobacco Companies will pay $2.521 billion to compensate tobacco victims across Canada who meet the eligibility criteria, and in some cases, their heirs.
The maximum financial compensation provided for in the PCC Compensation Plan is as follows:
| Disease(s) with which you were diagnosed | Maximum Amount of Compensation (CAD) | |
|---|---|---|
| For tobacco victims who started smoking before January 1, 1976 | For tobacco victims who started smoking on or after January 1, 1976 | |
| Lung cancer | Up to $60,000 | Up to $48,000 |
| Throat cancer | Up to $60,000 | Up to $48,000 |
| Emphysema or COPD (GOLD Grade III or IV) | Up to $18,000 | Up to $14,400 |
An Individual who meets all the PCC Eligibility Criteria will be paid for the single PCC Compensable Disease with which they have been diagnosed that will provide them with the highest amount of compensation from the PCC Compensation Plan.
Important Information
In the event that the $2.521 billion is insufficient to pay the maximum compensations to eligible PCC-Claimants, compensations will be adjusted downwards on a pro rata basis.
No deadlines for submitting a claim yet
The start date of the claims process will be determined in the coming weeks following several administrative steps. It is therefore not yet time to claim.
In the meantime, do not waste any time familiarizing yourself with what will be required and preparing your claim file.
