Chilliwack, Abbotsford residents can file claims in nationwide Loblaw packaged bread settlement

CHILLIWACK — The claims process has now begun for a $500 million national settlement reached with George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies for their involvement in a national class action lawsuit over alleged industry-wide price fixing of packaged bread.

In a statement released Thursday, Sept. 11, Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP and Orr Taylor LLP say consumers can claim a cash payment for packaged bread sold in Canada between 2001 and 2021.

In essence, class actions have been certified and/or authorized by Ontario and Quebec courts on behalf of residents in Canada alleging that certain manufacturers and retailers of packaged bread engaged in anti-competitive conduct, resulting in overcharges for packaged bread sold in Canada from 2001 to 2021.

Packaged bread is defined 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 frozen bread when sold and bread baked on-site in the establishment where it is sold.

The settlement agreement, approved by the applicable courts, provides for a cash payment by Weston and Loblaw of $404 million, since Loblaw having previously advanced $96 million through the earlier Loblaw card program).

These settlement funds, less any court-approved expenses, are allocated 78 per cent for settlement class members residing in Canada outside of Quebec, and 22 per cent for settlement class members living in Quebec.

Eligible Canadian residents who purchased packaged bread for their personal use between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2021, inclusive, must submit a completed claim form by December 12, 2025 to claim compensation from the settlement. Proof of purchase is not required.

Individuals who previously received a $25 Loblaw card from the Loblaw Card Program may submit a claim for additional compensation, but they will only be paid an incremental amount above the value of the $25 Loblaw card they received if there are sufficient settlement funds available, and only if the incremental amount is more than the $5 minimum payment threshold set for the settlement.

“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.”

People who purchased packaged bread for their personal use between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2021 should go to www.CanadianBreadSettlement.ca for more information and to file a claim for compensation.

The class actions continue against the remaining defendants, Canada Bread, Sobeys, Metro, Wal-Mart Canada and Giant Tiger.