
The bread-fixing settlement money could soon roll out. How to get yours
Canadians could soon get a piece of two class-action settlements accusing Loblaw and its parent company of engaging in an industrywide scheme to fix the price of bread, but there are still some steps left before the money rolls out.
Before anyone can claim money, both class-action settlements against Loblaw and parent company George Weston Ltd. must be approved in court.
Earlier this month, the settlement that was filed in Ontario was approved by Judge Ed Morgan, who said the $500-million settlement was excellent, fair and in the best interest of class members.
The second was filed in Quebec and is expected to be heard by a judge for potential approval June 16.
'If the settlement is approved, it will resolve all claims against Loblaw and Weston related to this matter,' a press release from Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP and Orr Taylor LLP said in March when announcing the proposed settlement.
Story continues below advertisement
Should both class-action settlements be approved, a settlement agreement posted online says 78 per cent of the funds will be allocated to the Ontario suit to be distributed to people in both that province and the rest of the country.
The other 22 per cent will go towards the Quebec lawsuit and those in that province.
Who will get a slice of the money?
Individuals and businesses that are eligible are automatically included in the Ontario class action, with the same for Quebec residents under the lawsuit in that province.
A total of $404 million of the $500-million total will be paid by Loblaw and George Weston Ltd. to those eligible, with the other $96 million having already been distributed through the company's Loblaw Card Program that ran from 2018 to 2019. That program was conducted in hopes of making amends with customers who paid about $1.50 more per loaf of bread.
Story continues below advertisement
According to the law firm's notice from March, individuals and businesses living or operating in Canada outside of Quebec who purchased packaged bread between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 31, 2021, are automatically included in the Ontario class action.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Quebec residents are eligible if they purchased at least one package of bread between Jan. 1, 2001 and Dec. 19, 2019.
2:26
Loblaw's $500M settlement: Did the national boycott impact their bottom-line profit?
Those eligible for the Ontario settlement must also have lived in Canada, excluding Quebec, as of Dec. 31, 2021, and also must not be a defendant in the suit or a related party.
Justin Smith, a lawyer with Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP, told Global News that those who received one of the Loblaw gift cards between 2018 and 2019 are also still eligible. If they do join, he said that $25, the amount of the gift card, will be deducted from any potential money a person would receive.
Story continues below advertisement
The amount that will be paid out, however, is not known at this time.
The Ontario settlement website says it's 'not possible to accurately estimate the amount of compensation an individual will receive at this time,' as it will depend on the number of approved claims and net amount available.
What is known is that 99.5 per cent of the distribution will go to individuals, with 0.5 per cent set aside for businesses and 'other entities' that purchased bread for resale.
The opt-out period for the Ontario class action has passed, with the period closing for Quebec residents on Friday.
Once both lawsuits have been approved, an online claims process will be established through the Ontario and Quebec settlement websites for people to make a claim for compensation.
Jim Orr, partner at Orr Taylor LLP, said in the March 11 news release that the settlement would also provide access to information that would be used in continuing the case against remaining defendants, including Canada Bread, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart Canada and Giant Tiger.
What happens now?
While the Ontario class action has been approved, the Quebec one could still be rejected.
Story continues below advertisement
Should this happen and it remains rejected after any appeals are made, both the Ontario and Quebec settlements would become 'null and void' and the $404 million would go back to the companies involved.
The gift cards that were distributed in 2018 and 2019, which made up $96 million of the overall settlement, would not be returned.
He said all parties involved in the two settlements would then return to 'litigation positions.'
0:46
Canada Bread denies price fixing scheme, points finger at Maple Leaf Foods
The offer Loblaw and George Weston made garnered four objections and 475 opt-outs, which Morgan said 'are very small numbers in view of the estimated 20 million-plus class members.'
No one who objected to the settlement appeared in court to explain their views, but a review of their written submissions showed they were fighting the settlement because they would like more money, Morgan said.
Story continues below advertisement
— with files from The Canadian Press
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Cision Canada
4 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Decision Notice - CIRO Hearing Panel issues Reasons for Decision in the matter of Christopher Leslie Meehan
VANCOUVER, BC, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Following a settlement hearing held on April 28, 2025, pursuant to the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules, a hearing panel of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) issued its reasons for decision on May 27, 2025. The hearing panel's reasons for decision are available at: Re Meehan 2025 CIRO 27 In their reasons for decision, the hearing panel found that Christopher Leslie Meehan engaged in securities related business that was not carried on for the account or through the facilities of the Dealer Member by directly or indirectly entering into agreements with Investors to trade crypto assets on their behalf. The hearing panel also confirmed a suspension from conducting securities related business in any capacity while in the employ of or associated with any Dealer Member of CIRO registered as a mutual fund dealer for a period of four months, a fine of $45,000 and costs of $5,000 imposed on Christopher Meehan as part of the Settlement Agreement. At all material times, Christopher Meehan conducted business in the Abbotsford, British Columbia area with Assante Financial Management Ltd. (Assante). Christopher Meehan continues to be registered as an Approved Person with Assante. The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is the national self-regulatory organization that oversees all investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and trading activity on Canada's debt and equity marketplaces. CIRO is committed to the protection of investors, providing efficient and consistent regulation, and building Canadians' trust in financial regulation and the people managing their investments. For more information, visit All information about disciplinary proceedings relating to current and former member firms and individual registrants under the Investment Dealer and Partially Consolidated Rules (for investment dealers), the Mutual Fund Dealer Rules (for mutual fund dealers) and the Universal Market Integrity Rules (UMIR) is available on CIRO's website. Background information regarding the qualifications and disciplinary history, if any, of advisors currently employed by CIRO-regulated investment firms is available free of charge through the AdvisorReport service. Information on how to make dealer, advisor or marketplace-related complaints is available by calling 1-877-442-4322. CIRO investigates possible misconduct by its member firms and individual registrants. It can bring disciplinary proceedings which may result in sanctions including fines, suspensions, permanent bars, expulsion from membership, or termination of rights and privileges for individuals and firms. All other Inquiries: SOURCE Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)


Cision Canada
4 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Electricity sector urges federal government to adopt national plan to meet rising power demand
Electricity Alliance of Canada, an electricity industry coalition, outlines five priorities to secure clean, reliable energy and support Canada's economic future OTTAWA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's electricity sector is calling on the newly elected federal government to develop a bold and immediate plan when it comes to electricity in Canada. This is urgently needed to meet growing demand, secure the country's economic future and become an energy superpower. Last week, the federal government introduced the One Canadian Economy Act, which highlighted the need for building projects in the national interest. There is no greater national interest project than building Canada's electricity grid. The electricity sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture. With climate change accelerating, global energy dynamics shifting, electricity demand increasing and potential U.S. tariffs looming, Canada cannot afford to lose its strategic energy advantage. Canadians expect affordable, reliable and secure power—and the electricity industry is committed to delivering it. Canada's economy was built on dependable power. Today, more than 60 per cent of electricity is generated from hydroelectric sources, with nuclear, wind, solar, and energy storage playing growing and essential roles. Yet current electricity production—around 630 terawatt-hours annually—will not meet future needs. As industries electrify, manufacturing returns, and the economy becomes more digital, pressure on electricity systems will grow significantly. To meet this growing demand, substantial investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution are essential—not only to keep the lights on, but to create jobs and secure long-term prosperity. The electricity sector is urging the new federal government to act on five urgent priorities: Streamline project approvals and clarify investment incentives The One Canadian Economy Act promises to accelerate project approvals. This is desperately needed. Slow and uncertain approval processes hinder investment and delay critical projects. The industry needs an efficient, 'one project, one review' process for major electricity projects and a finalized version of the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits. On carbon pricing, a flexible approach should support environmental outcomes while ensuring regional fairness and global competitiveness. Partner meaningfully with Indigenous communities The proposed act also promotes the need for Indigenous voices to be heard. Indigenous partnership in clean energy projects is vital to Canada's future, and Indigenous voices must be heard when it comes to energy decisions. The federal government should also expand tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to ensure Indigenous partners can participate fully and on their own terms, supporting reconciliation. Build interprovincial energy corridors Canada must turn long-standing conversations about interprovincial grid connections into action. The federal government, provinces, Crown corporations and utilities must collaborate to support energy trade, infrastructure development and labour mobility in regulated occupations. Secure electricity supply chains Global supply chains are facing disruption from tariffs, regulation and trade tensions. The federal government must help manage these risks and ensure the resilience of supply chains critical to electricity infrastructure. Invest in workforce development The future grid requires a skilled, well-trained workforce. Continued federal investment in long-term training programs will help produce the tradespeople and engineers needed to support reliable, clean and resilient electricity systems. Affordable, reliable and clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage. The sector has already increased supply while reducing emissions, and is prepared to do even more. The One Canadian Economy Act indicates it's time to focus on "nation-building" projects. Building up the electricity sector—generation, transmission and distribution—not only represents a project in the national interest; it enables all other national interest projects. The electricity sector is ready to get to work on a strong, resilient system to meet growing demand and protect Canada's economic future. Canada needs a bold electricity plan—now. This statement was jointly issued by: Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association Francis Bradley, President and CEO, Electricity Canada Michelle Branigan, CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada George Christidis, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada Lorena Patterson, President and CEO, WaterPower Canada About Electricity Alliance Canada Electricity Alliance Canada is a coalition of six industry associations promoting the power of electrification to lead the way to a sustainable energy future. Our mandate is to enable, promote and advocate for the increased use of electricity throughout the Canadian economy to help achieve Canada's net-zero emissions target.


Calgary Herald
4 hours ago
- Calgary Herald
'Incredibly important': U.S.-Canada relationship a focus at the Global Energy Show
Canada's push to become an 'energy superpower' and the recently precarious trade relationship with the U.S. were discussed at the Global Energy Show. Article content Among the events on the first day, Peter Mansbridge hosted several executives for a panel on U.S.-Canada relations and North America's energy future. Article content Cenovus Energy president and CEO Jon McKenzie; Lisa Baiton, president and CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers; Rona Ambrose, deputy chair of TD Securities; and Clay Sell, CEO of X-energy, all addressed the exhibition crowd on Tuesday. Article content Article content Article content Ambrose said it's an opportunity, adding that the 'silver lining' of the tension between the U.S. and Canada is that it has resulted in Canadian unity that hasn't been seen in 'a long time.' Article content She also noted that it has created a general consensus around the importance of energy, with more Canadians being engaged on the issue. Article content Baiton described the current situation as a 'monumental shift' in Canada's current relationship with the U.S. and said the events of the past few months have 'fundamentally and likely permanently changed our long-standing partnership.' Article content However, having traded oil and gas with the U.S. for about 150 years, Baiton argued that the highly integrated supply chain means the U.S. will always remain a major destination for Canadian energy. Article content Article content 'Well over 90 per cent of our oil experts go to the U.S., and today, about 99 per cent of natural gas goes to the U.S.,' said Baiton. Article content Sell, who is from the U.S., echoed Baiton's sentiment of how intertwined the two countries' energy systems are. Article content 'For over a century, we had a great trading relationship before the North American Free Trade Agreement,' said Sell, adding that 'challenges' in U.S. President Donald Trump's first term were addressed in the U.S.-Canada-Mexico agreement. Article content In terms of Canada diversifying its energy customers, Sell said it's wise. Article content 'Security through diversity, I think that's a wise choice, as the US is also seeking to increase its energy security through diversity,' he said. 'But fundamentally, I don't think anything can really change the core of the U.S.-Canada relationship.'