How to get your slice of the $500-million bread-fixing class-action settlement

Canadians who bought packaged bread in the past two decades may be eligible for a cash payout from a $500-million bread-fixing class action settlement . Earlier this month, the Ontario Superior Court approved the national   settlement of  a lawsuit that accused Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and its parent company, George Weston Ltd., of participating in an industry-wide scheme to fix the price of bread. The Quebec Superior Court still needs to approve a second agreement applicable to residents of that province, during its next hearing on June 16. Seventy-eight per cent of the funds are allocated to the Ontario class (covering all of Canada except Quebec), and 22 per cent to the Quebec class. What type of bread purchase will qualify for making a claim? Eligible bread includes most packaged bread products found in grocery store aisles (e.g., sliced sandwich bread, buns, rolls). Ineligible items generally include bread baked fresh in-store, artisan loaves or frozen bread. Who is eligible to make a claim? Eligible claimants include individuals or businesses who purchased packaged bread , produced or distributed by one of the defendants, in Canada between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2021. Claimants to the Ontario settlement who bought the product for personal use must have resided in Canada (excluding Quebec) as of Dec. 31, 2021. A claimant who received a $25 Loblaw gift card in 2018–2019 will still be eligible, but the gift card amount will be deducted from any payout. Defendants and related parties are excluded. How can a claim be made? Once both settlements are approved, an online claims process will be established on the official Ontario and Quebec settlement websites. Eligible individuals and businesses are automatically included in the class action. They will need to submit a claim online once the process opens. For updates and to submit your claim, monitor the official settlement websites. What about proof of purchase? If you have kept grocery receipts from the eligible period, look for packaged bread products from major brands or store brands associated with the named companies. If you do not have receipts, you can still file a claim. The settlement does not require proof of purchase for claims up to a certain amount (typically $25), but you may be asked to provide details about where and when you usually bought bread. Higher claims or business claims may require documentation. How much will be paid out per claim? The exact payout has not yet been determined and will depend on the number of approved claims and the net settlement amount after legal and administrative fees. Most eligible claimants who did not previously receive a Loblaw gift card could receive up to $25.

• Judge approves $500-million settlement in Loblaw bread-fixing case
• Loblaw, George Weston to pay $500 million in bread price-fixing suit

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