Canadians who bought packaged bread between 2001 and 2021 are now able to claim part of a $500-million class-action settlement linked to an alleged price-fixing scheme involving some of the country’s largest grocery retailers.
The claims process opened Thursday, according to law firms Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP and Orr Taylor LLP. Residents across Canada, except Quebec, can file online at CanadianBreadSettlement.ca. Quebec residents must submit through QuebecBreadSettlement.ca. The deadline to file is December 12, 2025.
Shoppers are not required to provide receipts. Eligible products include bagged bread, buns, bagels, rolls, wraps, tortillas, naan, pita, and English muffins purchased for personal use between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2021.
The settlement, approved earlier this year by Ontario’s Superior Court and later by Quebec’s Superior Court, includes $404 million from Loblaw Companies Ltd. and parent company George Weston Ltd. The remainder, $96 million, comes from Loblaw’s 2018–2019 gift card program, which aimed to address customer concerns after bread prices were allegedly inflated by about $1.50 per loaf.
Judge Ed Morgan of the Ontario Superior Court described the deal as “an excellent and fair result for all concerned.”
Once legal fees and administrative costs are deducted, about 78 percent of the compensation will go to Ontario residents, with the rest allocated to Quebec consumers. Individuals who did not participate in Loblaw’s earlier gift card program are expected to receive up to $25. Those who already received a $25 card can still apply but will only get additional compensation if funds allow and if the payout exceeds the $5 minimum threshold.
“This resolution provides Canadian consumers with monetary relief they deserve,” said Jim Orr, partner at Orr Taylor LLP. Jay Strosberg, managing partner at Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP, added that the process is designed to be “straightforward and easy for consumers to use.”
Canadians who qualify are being urged to apply before the December deadline to secure their share of the settlement.
