How to Claim Your Share of the $500M Loblaw Bread Price-Fixing Settlement

Canadians may soon receive compensation from a $500-million class-action settlement against Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and its parent company, George Weston Ltd., over a long-running bread price-fixing scheme. If you purchased packaged bread in Canada between 2001 and 2021, you could be eligible for a payout.

What Led to the Settlement?

The Competition Bureau launched an investigation in 2016, uncovering allegations that major grocery retailers—including Loblaw, Metro, Sobeys, Wal-Mart Canada, and Giant Tiger—conspired to artificially inflate bread prices by at least $1.50 per loaf between 2001 and 2015.

Loblaw self-reported its involvement in 2015 and later issued a public apology. In 2018, the company attempted to compensate customers through the Loblaw Card Program, offering $25 gift cards to those affected.

Now, as part of a broader legal resolution, Loblaw and George Weston have agreed to pay $404 million in cash, in addition to the $96 million previously distributed through the gift card program.

Who Is Eligible for Compensation?

• Anyone who purchased packaged bread in Canada (excluding Quebec) between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2021, is automatically included in the Ontario settlement.
• A separate Quebec settlement is also in progress.

No immediate action is required to claim your share, but updates on the settlement process can be found here.

What Happens Next?

• The settlement must be approved by courts in Ontario (May 2025) and Quebec (June 2025) before payments can be distributed.
• If you wish to opt out of the settlement or submit comments on the case, the deadline to do so is April 25, 2025.
• The legal team will continue pursuing claims against other retailers, including Canada Bread, Metro, Sobeys, Wal-Mart Canada, and Giant Tiger, who have denied wrongdoing.

How to Stay Updated

The lawyers handling the case will provide further details on how and when eligible consumers can file claims once the settlement is finalized.

For now, if you bought bread in Canada during the eligible period, you are likely entitled to compensation—so stay tuned for claim instructions in the coming months.