Time is running out to grab your piece of the bread fixing settlement

Canadians who buy their groceries on autopilot may want to pause at the pantry. There is real money on the table and the deadline to claim it is closing in fast. The long running packaged bread price fixing case that once stunned shoppers is now offering compensation through an historic settlement worth $500 million. Anyone who purchased packaged bread over a two decade span can file a claim, but the window to act is short.

You need to claim your slice of the settlement by Dec. 12.

This latest reminder comes as the class action administrator reports millions of claims have already been filed with lawyers involved in the case urging Canadians not to leave money unclaimed.

“It’ll take five minutes, tell your mom, tell you brother, tell dad, tell cousin, tell girlfriend, tell boyfriend, whoever it is,” plaintiff lawyer Jay Strosberg told the Toronto Star (1). He also said the case sends a clear signal about corporate accountability. “Half a billion dollars is a lot of money. That’s what we settled for and if you engage in this kind of conduct, we’re gonna come after you.”

How this loaf-sized legal battle rose

The scandal first surfaced publicly eight years ago when news broke that several companies had allegedly coordinated packaged bread prices in Canada. Loblaw Companies Ltd. and its parent George Weston Ltd. later acknowledged their own involvement and cooperated with investigators. In May 2024, the Ontario Superior Court approved a settlement that requires the companies to pay a combined $404 million. The remaining $96 million reflects the value of the Loblaw gift card program offered to customers in 2018 and 2019 after revelations of price fixing.

This settlement is the largest of its kind in Canadian history according to the lawyers who brought the case forward. Separate class actions involving other major grocers and Canada Bread remain before the courts and are not part of this payout.

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Who gets a slice of the payout

Any Canadian resident who is 18 or older and bought packaged bread for personal use between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2021 can submit a claim. The definition of packaged bread is broad. Loaves, buns, rolls, bagels, naan, English muffins, wraps, pitas and tortillas all qualify.

Receipts are not needed. Claimants simply confirm they bought packaged bread during the eligible period.

Online applications opened Sept. 11 and close Dec. 12. This timing differs from earlier public estimates that pointed to a later deadline, so even Canadians who thought they had more time need to act now.

Residents in every province except Quebec can file at CanadianBreadSettlement.ca. Quebec residents must use QuebecBreadSettlement.ca. Both portals are operated by the court appointed settlement administrator.

What your cut of the dough could be

Claimants can expect somewhere between $50 and $100 for their slice of the settlement. The final amount depends on the net funds remaining after costs and how many people file claims. Those who already received a $25 Loblaw card from the earlier program can still participate, although their payout will be adjusted.

“Every person that comes forward, we’re happy. That’s what the point of the settlement is, to put money in the pocket of the Canadians,” Strosberg said.

If leftover funds remain after the first round of payments, the administrator will conduct another distribution to everyone who applied.

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When the money will finally roll in

Payments are expected six to 12 months after the Dec. 12 deadline. Funds earmarked for businesses that purchased packaged bread for resale are being held for future distribution at the discretion of the courts.

Why this payout is worth your crumbs of effort

The settlement does not erase years of higher prices, but it does give Canadians an opportunity to be compensated without paperwork or complicated eligibility tests. At a time when grocery inflation remains a top concern, even a modest refund has value. As Strosberg noted, “It’s not going to pay your mortgage, but it’s important because justice has been served in a sense that some Canadian are able to get some money back.”

What’s your next step? Consider whether you bought packaged bread any time in the last 20 years. If you did, file a claim before Dec. 12. It may only take a few minutes but millions of Canadians have already decided it is worth it.

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Toronto Star (1)