If you have filed a claim in the class-action settlement regarding the prolonged bread price-fixing scheme, your money is en route. The payment process for approved Canadian claims commenced last week through Verita, an independent administrator overseeing the settlement. Due to the significant number of approved claims, payments are being distributed continuously, as stated on the settlement website.
In 2016, the Competition Bureau launched an investigation into the matter, leading to admissions from Weston Foods and Loblaw about their involvement in an “industry-wide price-fixing arrangement.” This arrangement allegedly inflated the price of a loaf of bread by $1.50. In 2024, Loblaw and its parent company, George Weston Ltd., agreed to pay $500 million to resolve the class-action lawsuit.
Individuals residing in Canada who purchased bread for personal use between 2001 and 2021 were eligible to apply for a portion of the settlement funds without needing to provide proof of purchase. The deadline for claim submissions was December 12 of the previous year.
The amount received by claimants will vary based on whether they previously received a $25 card from the Loblaw Card Program in 2018 as restitution for their involvement in the scheme. Those who did not receive the card will be compensated $49.11, while recipients of the card will receive $24.11, according to information on the bread settlement website.
Claimants will receive their funds via Interac e-transfer or cheque, depending on their chosen method during the claim process. Verita’s website cautions claimants about potential fraud instances, as fraudulent messages related to the payouts have targeted some Canadians. In March, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported receiving nine reports of phishing text messages that month linked to the settlement. These messages requested personal details such as name, address, date of birth, and credit or debit card information.
The legitimate e-transfer emails related to the claims will originate from notify@payments.interac.ca, as stated on the claim website. Claimants are advised not to click on any links or respond to text messages claiming to be from Verita, as emphasized on the claim webpage.