None'Things are really rolling': New NDP candidate talks priorities
Creditors approve proposed $32.5B deal with tobacco giants today: lawyer A proposed deal that would see three tobacco giants pay out billions to provinces and territories, as well as smokers across Canada, has been approved by the companies' creditors, a lawyer representing some of the creditors said Thursday, calling it Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press Dec 12, 2024 3:26 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message A smoker puts out a cigarette in a public ash tray in Ottawa on May 31, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick A proposed deal that would see three tobacco giants pay out billions to provinces and territories, as well as smokers across Canada, has been approved by the companies' creditors, a lawyer representing some of the creditors said Thursday, calling it an important milestone in a lengthy legal saga. The proposed $32.5-billion global settlement between the companies — JTI-Macdonald Corp., Rothmans, Benson & Hedges and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. — and their creditors was announced in October after more than five years of negotiations. Representatives for the creditors, which include provincial governments seeking to recover smoking-related health-care costs as well as plaintiffs in two Quebec class-action lawsuits, voted on the plan in a virtual meeting Thursday afternoon. André Lespérance, who represents plaintiffs in one of the Quebec lawsuits, said creditors overwhelmingly supported the proposal. "We're not surprised, but we're glad the creditors are united right now to see this plan approved," he said in French. Before the plan can be implemented, it must obtain the approval of the court. A hearing has been scheduled for the end of January, and Lespérance said he's optimistic the proposed deal will clear that hurdle as well. "I think we're really close to the end," he said. Dominique Claveau, executive director of the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health, which is part of the lawsuit, said they look forward to having the court "bring this long-fought battle for justice and truth to its conclusion." At least one of the companies has said it opposes the plan in its current form. The proposed deal includes $24 billion for provinces and territories, $4 billion for tens of thousands of Quebec smokers and their heirs, and more than $2.5 billion for smokers in other provinces and territories. It also includes more than $1 billion for a foundation to help those affected by tobacco-related diseases. The Canadian Cancer Society, which is a social stakeholder in the case, said Thursday it hopes the proposal will be amended before it's approved by the court. Rob Cunningham, the organization's lawyer, said the plan should include smoking-reduction measures and the release of confidential industry documents, similar to what was achieved in the United States decades ago. "There's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to better control the tobacco industry and to reduce tobacco use. We're never going to get this chance again," he said. The foundation funded through the proposed deal should also have its mandate expanded to include prevention of tobacco-related disease and public awareness efforts to help people quit smoking, said Manuel Arango, vice-president of policy and advocacy for Heart & Stroke. "We already have a lot of studies and a lot of knowledge about the treatment of tobacco-related disease," he said. "So it's really about looking forward and helping prevent tobacco-related disease in the future." The proposal is the culmination of a corporate restructuring process set off by a decades-long legal battle over the health effects of smoking. In 2015, a Quebec court ordered the three companies to pay about $15 billion in two class-action lawsuits involving smokers in the province who took up the habit between 1950 and 1998 and either fell ill or were addicted, or their heirs. Four years later, the landmark ruling was upheld by the province's Appeal Court. The companies then sought creditor protection in Ontario in order to negotiate a global settlement with their creditors. All of the legal proceedings against them were put on hold during the talks. That order has now been extended until Jan. 31, 2025. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo Dec 12, 2024 4:02 PM Movie Review: ‘Nickel Boys’ is a knockout, one of the most powerful films of the year Dec 12, 2024 3:40 PM Vancouver Island First Nation whose ancestors met explorer Capt. Cook sue province Dec 12, 2024 3:16 PM Featured Flyer
Jokic's career high of 56 points comes during a low point for the NuggetsThe NNPC Ltd stated that it has successfully re-streamed the Port Harcourt Refining Company as promised The development marks the start of the plant's processing of crude oil and the introduction of petroleum products into the market Mele Kyari claimed that the commencement of the loadout activities is the start of a new era of energy independence PAY ATTENTION: Got a Minute? Complete Our Quick Survey About Legit.ng Today! Legit.ng journalist Zainab Iwayemi has 5-year-experience covering the Economy, Technology, and Capital Market. The NNPC Ltd claimed it has fulfilled its pledge of re-streaming the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC). In a statement on its X page signed by Olufemi soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC limited, it stated that the development signals the commencement of crude oil processing from the plant and delivery of petroleum products into the market. The corporation claims that on Tuesday, November 2024, trucks started loading petroleum products, such as Household Kerosene (HHK) or kerosene, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel, and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or gasoline. Other product slates will also be shipped. Read also Port Harcourt Refinery: Tinubu mentions Buhari, others involved PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow According to Mr. Mele Kyari, the start of the loadout operations marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and the beginning of a new age of energy independence and economic expansion for the nation. The GCEO expressed special gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , GCFR, for his steadfast support and understanding of the rehabilitation project as well as his perseverance in securing the nation's energy security. Kyari also sent his sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors of NNPC Ltd. and the whole workforce for their dedication and support, which culminated in the refinery's streaming. In spite of all the difficulties, he also praised the contractors for their excellent work in making sure the refinery was delivered. In his remarks, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed congratulated the NNPC Ltd. for the milestone and assured of his agency’s continued support towards the completion of rehabilitation work at the other refineries. Read also NNPC Fuel: Former Presidential Aspirant Speaks on Port Harcourt Refinery Commencement Port Harcourt refinery finally commences crude oil production Legit.ng reported that Crude oil processing has now begun at Rivers State's Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Ltd. Femi Soneye, the chief corporate communications officer for the state-owned oil company, verified this information via his X handle with a video of the refiinery. Soneye said truck loading will also commence on Tuesday (today), November 26th 2024. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ng
The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is appealing for urgent Group AB- blood donations. SRC said in a Facebook post on Nov. 21 that stocks for the blood type has dropped to critical levels. Blood type rare In the post, the organisation also urged those with Group AB- blood to "come forward for a blood donation as soon as possible". Image via Singapore Red Cross on Facebook. On its website, the stock level of Group AB- blood had been marked as "Critical". Group AB+ blood was marked as "Low" in comparison. Image via Singapore Red Cross. A call to action urged suitable donors to "donate today". Image via Singapore Red Cross. According to SRC , less than 1 per cent of the population in Singapore has the AB- blood type. In 2023, only 0.1 per cent of AB- donors was recorded, according to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) . Blood donations are typically used to treat patients with leukemia, thalassaemia and bleeding disorders, and those undergoing major surgeries. One unit of blood can save up to three lives, according to SRC. Am you eligible to donate? Healthy individuals who are between 16 and 60 and weigh at least 45kg are encouraged to donate blood. In addition, donors should donate blood before their travels as travelling to certain countries or regions in some countries with insect-borne infection risks may make them ineligible to donate for a period of time. According to HSA's general eligibility criteria, you must: For more information on whether you are eligible, you can visit HSA's website here . Do's and don'ts Those donating blood are encouraged to have adequate rest the night before. On the day itself, they may eat a light meal and drink plenty of fluids. Official photo identification such as an NRIC, work pass or passport will be needed for registration. If you are 16 or 17-years-old, a signed parental consent form is required, which can be found here . Top photos via Canva & Singapore Red Cross