A settlement linked to an extensive bread price-fixing scheme is now distributing funds to approved claimants in Canada. The process of issuing payments started last week for those who submitted valid claims. Due to the large number of approved claims, payments are being disbursed continuously, as stated on the settlement website.
The Competition Bureau’s investigation in 2016 revealed that Weston Foods and Loblaw were involved in an industry-wide price-fixing arrangement, leading to an alleged $1.50 increase in the price of a loaf of bread. In 2024, Loblaw and its parent company, George Weston Ltd., agreed to a $500 million settlement for a class-action lawsuit related to the scheme.
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 proof of purchase. The deadline for applications was December 12 of the previous year.
The amount claimants receive will vary based on whether they previously received a $25 card from the Loblaw Card Program, which was distributed in 2018 as part of remedial actions. Those who did not receive the gift card will be compensated $49.11, while those who did will receive $24.11, according to the settlement site.
Claimants will receive their funds through Interac e-transfer or by cheque, depending on their chosen method during the claim process. Verita’s website cautions claimants about potential fraud attempts, as some individuals have received fraudulent messages regarding the payouts. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported receiving nine phishing text messages in March requesting personal information like name, address, date of birth, and credit card details.
It is important to note that legitimate e-transfer emails will only originate from notify@payments.interac.ca according to the claim website. Claimants are advised not to click on any links or respond to text messages claiming to be from Verita.