News Release
1999-84
June 15, 1999
Federal,provincial and territorial governments and counsel for the plaintiffs file proposed 1986-1990 Hepatitis C settlement agreement with courts
OTTAWA - Federal, provincial and territorial Health Ministers, together with counsel for certain persons infected with Hepatitis C through the blood system, have reached a final settlement agreement which they are filing today with the courts for approval.
This proposed settlement agreement would provide a $1.118 billion settlement fund, plus interest, to Canadians infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) during the period from January 1, 1986 to July 1, 1990, including Canadians with hemophilia infected with HCV who received blood or blood products during this period, as well as those individuals infected with HCV by a partner or parent who was infected during this period.
The Ministers said they were pleased that the Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments and lawyers for the plaintiffs have collaboratively and collectively reached such a significant proposed settlement agreement. They noted that the agreement is flexible and innovative, providing for financial assistance based on the severity of illness of each individual and allowing for increased benefits should he or she become sicker in the future.
Ministers said they are hopeful that the court will approve this comprehensive settlement as soon as possible so that compensation can begin for affected Canadians and their families. Federal, provincial and territorial governments remain committed to providing compassionate care to affected Canadians.
Because it proposes to settle lawsuits through class action proceedings in British Columbia, Ontario and Québec, the settlement agreement must be approved by the courts in those provinces. Consequently, it is being filed on June 15, 1999 with the Court in Ontario, on June 16, 1999 with the Court in British Columbia and on June 17, 1999 with the Court in Québec. Persons residing in provinces other than British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec will be covered through a national class certified in Ontario. The Courts will determine the process by which those infected during this period will be advised of the proposed settlement agreement and their rights in relation to the agreement. This will be a national public notification process.
In making this announcement, Ministers said that all governments are following through on their commitment made in March, 1998 to provide a settlement fund for those infected during the 1986 to 1990 timeframe with Hepatitis C, and those secondarily infected with HIV through the blood system. Health Ministers announced on December 15, 1998 a program to provide financial assistance by means of a lump-sum ex-gratia payment of $240,000 to each Canadian infected by a partner or parent who was infected by HIV through the blood supply and who was eligible for previous government assistance packages.
Court hearings to approve the proposed settlement agreement are scheduled to begin on August 18, 1999 and to be complete in the fall of 1999.
Beginning Friday, June 18, Canadians who would like further information on the proposed settlement agreement should call the following toll-free line set up by the counsel for the plaintiffs at 1-888-726-2656.
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Media Inquiries
Derek Kent
Office of Allan Rock
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-1515
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Prince Edward Island Health and Social Services
(902) 368-6257
Public Inquiries
(613) 957-2991
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