Tobacco settlement won’t protect future generations from addiction: Advocates

For Canadian press

October 18, 2024 | 10:22 AM

The Canadian Cancer Society says a proposed settlement that could see tobacco companies pay billions of dollars would do little to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to tobacco.

More details are expected today on a proposed $32.5 billion settlement filed in an Ontario court that would allow three major companies to financially compensate provinces and territories, as well as some smokers and their families.

Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst and lawyer for the Canadian Cancer Society, says that while the agreement is a good first step, it does not support public health measures that would change the fact that tobacco is the leading cause of death in Canada.

Cunningham says the $1 billion earmarked for tobacco-related disease research needs to be modified to also include awareness, education and community prevention programs.