Canadian residents who purchased packaged bread between 2001 and 2021 could be eligible to a slice of the $500-million settlement paid out by the Loblaw/Weston Group for their involvement in the bread price-fixing national class action suit.
On Thursday, Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP and Orr Taylor LLP announced the claims process had started after an Ontario judge approved the national class action settlement with Loblaw Cos. Ltd. (“Loblaw”) and its parent company George Weston Ltd. (“Weston”) earlier this year.
In the class-action lawsuit, the companies were accused of engaging in an industry-wide scheme to fix the price of packaged bread sold in Canada between 2001 and 2021.
Of the $500 million cash settlement to be paid out, $96 million has already been paid through Loblaw’s gift card program announced in 2017. The remaining $404 million will be paid out by Loblaw / Weston.
“This resolution provides Canadian consumers with monetary relief they deserve,” said Jim Orr, Partner, Orr Taylor LLP.
The firm says states that proof of purchase is not required to submit a claim.
“We encourage Canadian consumers who purchased Packaged Bread to apply for compensation under the settlement,” said Jay Strosberg, managing partner, Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP. “We have designed a claims process that is straightforward and easy for consumers to use.”
The amount of compensation is expected to vary, depending on several factors.
According to the claims site, amounts will depend on “the net settlement funds available to distribute, the number of Claims that are approved by the Settlement Administrator, and whether or not an approved claimant previously received a $25 Loblaw card from the Loblaw Card Program.”
Compensation payments are expected to be sent out between six and 12 months after the filing deadline.
The claims for compensation for Packaged Bread opened on Thursday and can be submitted at canadianbreadsettlement.ca.
Canadians have until Dec. 12, 2025 to submit their claims.
If you are unable to submit an electronic claim, you may contact the settlement administrator at 1-833-419-4821 for assistance.
While Weston / Loblaws have settled, the class actions continue against the remaining defendants, Canada Bread, Sobeys, Metro, Wal-Mart Canada and Giant Tiger.
The claims website defines packaged bread as “any and all packaged bread products and bread alternatives including, but not limited to, bagged bread, buns, rolls, bagels, naan bread, English muffins, wraps, pita and tortillas, but excluding bread frozen when sold and bread baked on-site in the establishment where it is sold.”