If you have filed a claim in the class-action settlement regarding a long-standing bread price-fixing scheme, your money is now being distributed. Verita, an independent administrator overseeing the settlement, has initiated the payment process for approved Canadian claimants. Due to the large number of valid claims, payments are being processed gradually, as stated on the settlement website.
The Competition Bureau launched an investigation in 2016, revealing that Weston Foods and Loblaw were involved in an industry-wide price-fixing agreement that inflated the cost of a loaf of bread by $1.50. 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 use between 2001 and 2021 were eligible to apply for a portion of the settlement funds without the need for proof of purchase. The deadline for submitting claims was December 12 of the previous year.
The payment amount varies based on whether claimants had previously received a $25 card from the Loblaw Card Program, distributed in 2018 to address their involvement in the price-fixing scheme. Claimants who did not receive the gift card will receive $49.11, while those who did will get $24.11, according to the settlement site.
Payment will be made either through Interac e-transfer or by cheque, depending on the chosen method during the claim submission. Claimants are cautioned about potential fraud attempts related to the payouts, with some Canadians receiving deceptive messages. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported receiving nine phishing text messages in March requesting personal information like name, address, date of birth, and credit or debit card details.
To avoid scams, claimants are advised that legitimate e-transfer emails will only come from notify@payments.interac.ca. The claim website emphasizes that Verita will not send any communications or payments via text and advises against clicking on links or responding to suspicious messages purportedly from Verita.