Canadian bread price fixing settlement opens: $500m available for claims

The claims process for a $500 million class-action settlement related to alleged bread price fixing has opened for Canadian consumers. Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP and Orr Taylor LLP announced Thursday, September 11, that eligible residents can now submit compensation claims against Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and parent company George Weston Ltd.

Canadian residents who purchased packaged bread for personal use between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2021, are eligible for compensation. Qualifying products include bagged bread, buns, rolls, bagels, naan, English muffins, wraps, pita, and tortillas.

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Claimants must submit completed forms by December 12, 2025. No proof of purchase is required for the bread price fixing settlement.

Residents outside Quebec can file claims at CanadianBreadSettlement.ca, while Quebec residents must use QuebecBreadSettlement.ca based on their December 31, 2021 residence.

Court approval and settlement distribution details

Ontario Superior Court Judge Ed Morgan approved the $500 million settlement in May. The agreement includes $404 million from Loblaw and George Weston, with an additional $96 million credited through a gift card program Loblaw operated from 2018-2019.

Morgan described the settlement as "an excellent and fair result for all concerned" in his written decision. The Superior Court of Quebec also approved the agreement in July.

After legal fees and court expenses, 78 per cent of settlement funds will go to Ontario shoppers, with the remainder allocated to Quebec residents.

Compensation amounts and previous gift card recipients

Eligible customers who purchased bread during the settlement period and did not receive previous Loblaw gift cards can receive up to $25. Those who previously received the $25 Loblaw card may submit claims for additional compensation, subject to fund availability and a $5 minimum payment threshold.

"This resolution provides Canadian consumers with monetary relief they deserve," said Jim Orr, partner at Orr Taylor LLP.

"We encourage Canadian consumers who purchased packaged bread to apply for compensation under the settlement," said Jay Strosberg, managing partner at Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP. "We have designed a claims process that is straightforward and easy for consumers to use."

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The settlement concludes litigation against Loblaw and George Weston related to alleged industry-wide bread price fixing schemes. Both companies admitted to the Competition Bureau in 2015 that they participated in coordinated pricing practices dating back to 2001, though this admission remained unpublicized until 2017.

The alleged scheme reportedly increased bread prices by approximately $1.50 per loaf for consumers.

Ongoing litigation against other retailers

Class-action lawsuits continue against other major retailers, including Metro, Sobeys, Walmart Canada, Canada Bread, and Giant Tiger. These companies have denied participation in the alleged bread price fixing conspiracy.

Settlement funds for Canadian businesses that purchased packaged bread for resale between 2001-2021 remain in trust pending court direction for future distribution.