Last chance to claim part of settlement in bread price-fixing case as deadline nears

Canadians who purchased packaged bread between January 2001 and December 2021 have until Friday to submit a claim for a portion of a $500 million settlement resulting from a class-action lawsuit against Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and George Weston Ltd. The lawsuit accused the companies of participating in an industry-wide scheme to fix bread prices. Claimants do not need proof of purchase and could receive $25 within six to twelve months of the deadline.

The settlement, approved by the Ontario Superior Court in May, includes $404 million from Loblaw and George Weston, and $96 million from a previous gift card program offered by Loblaw. Seventy-eight percent of the funds will be allocated to Ontario shoppers, with the remainder going to Quebec residents. Customers who previously received Loblaw gift cards may receive additional compensation if funds remain.

The case involved allegations against several major Canadian grocers, including Metro, Sobeys, Walmart Canada, Canada Bread, and Giant Tiger, though Loblaw and George Weston admitted to the practice in 2015. The Quebec Superior Court also approved the national settlement agreement in July.

(Source：Winnipeg Free Press)