Canadians who filed a claim in the class-action settlement regarding a prolonged scheme to fix bread prices are now receiving their compensation. Verita, an independent administrator for the settlement, has initiated the payout process for approved claims. Due to the substantial number of eligible claims, payments are being distributed gradually through the settlement website.
In 2016, the Competition Bureau launched an investigation into the matter, leading to admissions from Weston Foods and Loblaw that they engaged in an “industry-wide price-fixing arrangement.” This illegal collaboration allegedly inflated the price of a loaf of bread by $1.50. To resolve the class-action lawsuit, Loblaw and its parent company, George Weston Ltd., agreed in 2024 to pay $500 million.
Individuals residing in Canada who purchased bread for personal consumption between 2001 and 2021 were able to apply for a portion of the settlement funds without needing proof of purchase. The application deadline was December 12 of the previous year.
The payout amount varies based on whether claimants had previously received a $25 card from the Loblaw Card Program, distributed in 2018 to address their involvement in the scheme. Those who did not receive the card will receive $49.11, while those who did will get $24.11, according to the bread settlement site.
Payment will be made either by Interac e-transfer or cheque, depending on the chosen method during the claim submission. Claimants are cautioned by Verita’s website to watch out for fraudulent activities, as there have been instances of fake messages related to the payouts sent to some Canadians. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported receiving nine phishing text messages in March requesting personal information such as name, address, date of birth, and credit or debit card details.
To prevent falling victim to fraud, the claim website advises that legitimate e-transfer emails will only come from notify@payments.interac.ca. Claimants are advised not to click on any links or respond to text messages claiming to be from Verita.