Deadline today for Canadians to take part in Loblaw, George Weston bread price-fixing settlement
Canadians have until today to claim a portion of a $500-million settlement related to bread price-fixing by Loblaw and George Weston.Summary
The deadline is today for Canadians to file a claim in a class-action lawsuit against Loblaw Companies Ltd. and George Weston Ltd. for allegedly fixing the price of bread between January 2001 and December 2021. Individuals who purchased packaged bread during this period and did not accept a previous gift card from Loblaw are eligible, and no proof of purchase is required. Claimants could receive $25 within six to twelve months.
The $500-million settlement, approved by the Ontario Superior Court in May, includes $404-million from Loblaw and George Weston, and $96-million from a prior gift card program offered by Loblaw. After legal fees, 78% of the funds will go to Ontario shoppers, with the remainder allocated to Quebec residents, and any remaining funds distributed to gift card claimants.
The lawsuit originated from allegations against major Canadian grocers, including Metro, Sobeys, Walmart Canada, Canada Bread, and Giant Tiger, though most denied involvement. Loblaw and George Weston admitted to the practice in 2015, leading to the initial gift card offer and, ultimately, the class-action lawsuit filed in December 2021.
(Source：Theglobeandmail)