If you have filed a claim in the class-action settlement regarding the elongated bread price collusion, your compensation is currently being processed. Verita, an independent administrator for the settlement, initiated the payout procedure for approved Canadian claims last week. Due to the substantial number of validated claims, payments are being distributed progressively as per the settlement website.
The Competition Bureau commenced an investigation into the issue in 2016, during which Weston Foods and Loblaw acknowledged their involvement in an “industry-wide price-fixing agreement,” allegedly inflating the bread cost by $1.50 per loaf. In 2024, Loblaw and its parent company, George Weston Ltd., agreed to a $500 million settlement to resolve the class-action lawsuit.
Individuals residing in Canada who purchased bread for personal consumption between 2001 and 2021 were eligible to seek a portion of the settlement funds without the need for proof of purchase. The deadline for applications was December 12 of the previous year.
The compensation amount varies based on whether claimants had previously received a $25 card from the Loblaw Card Program distributed in 2018 to redress their involvement in the scheme. Those who did not receive the gift card will receive $49.11, while those who did will get $24.11, as per the bread settlement site.
Claimants will receive their funds through either Interac e-transfer or cheque, depending on their chosen method during the claim submission. Verita’s website cautions claimants to be vigilant against fraudulent activities, as certain Canadians have received deceptive messages relating to the payouts. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported nine cases of phishing text messages in March requesting personal information like the recipient’s name, address, date of birth, and credit or debit card details.
The legitimate e-transfer emails will originate solely from notify@payments.interac.ca, as stated on the claim website. Claimants are advised against engaging with any texts purportedly from Verita, urging them not to click on any links or respond to such messages.