BURST
There’s a lot of dough on the line.
Claims are now being accepted for a $500-million class action settlement stemming from an alleged bread price fixing scheme involving Loblaw Companies Limited and parent company George Weston Limited.
Here’s what to know about the Canadian packaged bread class actions settlement and how you can get your slice of the money.
What’s this Canadian packaged bread price fixing lawsuit about?
The class action lawsuit was filed after a Competition Bureau 2017 investigation alleged a number of Canadian grocery chains conspired to artificially inflate the price of bread as far back as November 2001, with Loblaw and Weston admitting to having done so for at least 14 years.
As a result, the two companies agreed to a settlement that would see them pay out $500 million to Canadian consumers who had bought bread for personal use between 2001 and 2021.
A number of other companies are also accused in the scheme, however, settlements have not been reached with those companies at this time and the class actions continue. Loblaw and Weston have agreed to help the plaintiffs in providing information that could help prosecute the other companies.
Who’s affected by the price fixing scheme? Who’s eligible to claim a part of the settlement?
Anyone 18 years of age or older, who has bought bread for personal use between 2001 and 2021, and who was living in Canada as of Dec. 31, 2021, is eligible for compensation from the settlement.
Those living in Quebec as of that date will submit under a class action that was filed in that province, while everyone else living in Canada on that date will submit under a class action that was filed in Ontario.
Where can I submit a claim to receive part of the settlement? Do I need a receipt?
As noted, those living in provinces and territories other than Quebec, can submit their claim under the class action that was filed in Ontario.
You can find the online form at www.canadianbreadsettlement.ca .
You’ll need to share:
• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Current address
• Number of adults living at that address
• Your email and phone number
• Whether or not you received a $25 Loblaw card under a previous settlement.
You do not need to provide a receipt or any proof of purchase, though you will be asked to list the most recent bread product you purchased and the store location where you bought it.
How much will I receive and how is it paid out?
The amount each claimant receives from the settlement depends on how many people submit a claim, and how much of the settlement is left after calculating previous compensation payments.
Claimants who are approved will receive their payment in 2026, about six to 12 months after submitting your claim, via Interact e-Transfer to the email address used during the submission. You’ll have 30 days from the date of issue to accept your e-transfer and the password, if required, will be “2026.”
You can also opt to receive payment by cheque instead, however, your payment will have $2 deducted to cover the cost of issuing and mailing a cheque.
When is the deadline for submitting a claim? What if I do nothing?
The claims filing window opened Sept. 11, 2025 and the deadline is Dec. 12, 2025. No claims will be accepted after that date.
If you do not submit a claim or do nothing, then you will not receive any compensation from the settlement.
What if I previously got a $25 card from Loblaws for bread price fixing?
In 2018, Loblaw offered eligible customers a $25 card as compensation for its role in the bread price fixing scheme. Those who registered received a $25 card in the mail that could be spent in Loblaw stores.
Those who submit a claim as part of this class action and who did not participate in the 2018 card program will receive a maximum of $25 as initial compensation from the new settlement. The exact amount depends on how many people submit claims.
If there is money left after the initial round of $25 compensation is paid out, then “supplemental compensation” could be paid out to all claimants, including those who did previously receive a Loblaw Card. The amount will be calculated based on how much is left.