On March 6, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court has approved a $32.5 billion settlement between tobacco industry giants Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco, and Canadian provinces, territories, and former smokers.

The resolution is pursuant to a Plan of Compromise and Arrangement under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.

This decision from Ontario Superior Court Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz ends a legal battle that has lasted for decades. 

The settlement requires three tobacco companies to pay compensation to those impacted by smoking-related illnesses.

Bennett Jones acted for the consortium of six provincial and three territorial governments with a team led by Michael Eizenga (Class Action Litigation) and included Jesse Mighton and Preet Gill (Restructuring & Insolvency).