Based on coverage from Global News, CBC, Insauga, CHEK, Financial Post, Inside Halton, and Daily Hive.
In a twist that could make even the most stoic Canadian raise an eyebrow, the long-standing bread price-fixing saga has reached a pivotal moment. Eligible Canadians can now claim their share of a $500-million settlement, a resolution to a class-action lawsuit that accused some of the country's biggest grocers of artificially inflating bread prices over two decades.
The lawsuit, which has been simmering since 2017, targeted Loblaw Companies Limited and its parent company, George Weston Ltd., among others. These companies were accused of orchestrating a scheme that allegedly saw bread prices rise by about $1.50 per loaf. While Loblaw and George Weston have agreed to the settlement, other major players like Sobeys, Metro, and Walmart Canada continue to deny any wrongdoing and are still facing legal action.
For those wondering if they qualify for a slice of the settlement pie, the criteria are straightforward. If you bought packaged bread products—think bagged bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and more—between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2021, you're in luck. No proof of purchase is needed, which is a relief for anyone who doesn't hoard grocery receipts like they're rare collectibles.
The settlement process is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Canadians residing outside Quebec can visit CanadianBreadSettlement.ca, while Quebec residents have their own portal at QuebecBreadSettlement.ca. Claims must be submitted by December 12, 2025. The compensation amount isn't set in stone, but those who didn't previously receive a $25 Loblaw gift card could get up to $25. If you did snag one of those cards, you might still be eligible for additional compensation, depending on the remaining funds.
The settlement has been hailed as a landmark case in Canadian legal history, not just for its size but for its implications. Ontario Superior Court Judge Ed Morgan, who approved the settlement, described it as part of the "mega-fund category," a rare classification for settlements that typically range between $50 to $100 million. This one, however, dwarfs those figures, underscoring the scale of the alleged price-fixing conspiracy.
While the settlement marks a significant chapter in this saga, it's not the end of the story. The legal proceedings continue against other defendants, including Canada Bread, which was fined $50 million in June 2023 for its role in the scheme. However, that fine went to the government, not consumers, leaving many still eager for further resolutions.
The financial relief from this settlement is a welcome reprieve for many Canadians who felt the pinch of inflated bread prices over the years. As Jim Orr, a partner at Orr Taylor LLP, put it, "This resolution provides Canadian consumers with the monetary relief they deserve." It's a sentiment echoed by many who hope this settlement is just the beginning of holding corporations accountable for their pricing practices.
So, if you've been buying bread in Canada over the last two decades, it might be time to claim your dough—literally. While the process might take some time, with payments expected to roll out in 2026, it's a small slice of justice for those who felt the squeeze of inflated grocery bills.
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