Loblaws Class Action Lawsuit, Pays Record $500M in Canada’s Largest Antitrust Settlement, Here’s How to Claim Your Share Before December 12

The Loblaws class action lawsuit resulted in a $500 million settlement—Canada’s largest antitrust settlement in history. Loblaw Companies Limited and parent company George Weston Limited admitted participating in a 14-year bread price-fixing scheme from 2001 to 2015 that artificially inflated packaged bread prices by at least $1.50 per loaf. The claims process opened September 11, 2025, and closes December 12, 2025. Eligible Canadians who purchased packaged bread between 2001 and 2021 can claim an estimated $50-$100 without receipts.

Ontario Superior Court approved the settlement in May 2025. Quebec’s Superior Court held approval hearings in June 2025. Over 1.4 million Canadians have already filed claims as of November 2025.

What Is the Loblaws Class Action Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit alleges Loblaw, George Weston, and other major Canadian grocers conspired to fix packaged bread prices through an industry-wide arrangement spanning 14 years.

The Core Allegations

Plaintiffs claim defendants participated in coordinated price increases between 2001 and 2015. The Competition Bureau alleged companies added at least $1.50 to bread prices through what insiders called the “7/10 convention”—a seven-cent wholesale increase and ten-cent retail bump executed simultaneously across competitors.

Court documents reveal defendants allegedly coordinated through direct communications between senior executives at competing bread manufacturers. When one company delayed price increases, competitors contacted them to ensure coordination. In one 2012 incident, Canada Bread cancelled a planned price hike after Weston Foods didn’t raise prices, prompting a Canada Bread employee to express “displeasure” to Weston Foods staff, creating “a sense of urgency” around the scheduled October 2012 increase.

How the Scheme Operated

The Competition Bureau’s investigation revealed the alleged conspiracy began at an industry meeting where a Canada Bread executive presented a PowerPoint arguing bread was undervalued. The presentation laid out a plan to approach retailers to secure “buy-in for a price increase with the goal of orchestrating alignment through the retail community.”

Retailers allegedly demanded bread suppliers actively manage retail competition by coordinating prices between chains. Documents show companies communicated directly about planned increases, ensuring competitors raised prices simultaneously to prevent any single retailer from undercutting others.

Legal Violations Alleged

The lawsuit claims violations of:

• Competition Act (criminal price-fixing provisions)
• Quebec Civil Code provisions on civil liability
• Common law claims for conspiracy and unjust enrichment

Price-fixing is a criminal offence under Canada’s Competition Act, punishable by fines up to $25 million per violation (now unlimited following 2023 amendments) and up to 14 years imprisonment.

The Companies Involved

Settled Defendants

Loblaw Companies Limited and George Weston Limited admitted participation and settled for $500 million. They self-reported to the Competition Bureau in March 2015 after discovering anti-competitive behaviour internally, receiving immunity from criminal prosecution in exchange for cooperation.

Loblaw operates over 2,400 stores across Canada including:

• Loblaws
• No Frills
• Real Canadian Superstore
• Zehrs
• Fortinos
• Valu-mart
• Independent
• Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix

George Weston’s former subsidiaries Weston Foods and Weston Bakeries manufactured and distributed bread products during the price-fixing period.

Remaining Defendants (Not Settled)

Class actions continue against:

• Canada Bread (pleaded guilty to criminal charges, fined $50 million)
• Sobeys/IGA
• Metro
• Walmart Canada
• Giant Tiger
• Maple Leaf Foods (potential addition as defendant)

All remaining defendants deny allegations. Metro and Sobeys accused Loblaw and George Weston of conspiring to falsely implicate them to improve their own market position. Canada Bread claims any misconduct occurred under direction of then-majority owner Maple Leaf Foods, which Maple Leaf denies.

Current Legal Status: Courts Approve Settlement

Ontario Superior Court (May 26, 2025)

Justice Ed Morgan approved the $500 million settlement for all Canadian residents outside Quebec. The judge stated the parties had demonstrated hard-fought litigation on all sides, justifying the settlement amount.

The settlement includes $404 million in new cash payments plus $96 million already distributed through Loblaw’s 2017-2018 gift card program.

Quebec Superior Court (June 2025)

Quebec’s Superior Court held approval hearings on June 16, 2025. The court reserved its decision but is expected to approve given Ontario’s endorsement.

Claims Distribution

Settlement funds are allocated:

• 78% for class members outside Quebec
• 22% for Quebec residents

This allocation reflects the proportion of Canada’s population in each region.

Who Is Eligible to Participate?

Automatic Class Membership

You are automatically included if you:

• Resided in Canada on December 31, 2021
• Purchased packaged bread for personal use between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2021
• Purchased bread produced or distributed by any defendant

What Qualifies as “Packaged Bread”

Eligible products include:

• Bagged bread (white, whole wheat, multigrain, etc.)
• Buns and rolls
• Bagels
• Naan bread
• English muffins
• Wraps
• Pita
• Tortillas
• Any packaged bread alternatives

Excluded products:

• Bread frozen when sold
• Bread baked on-site in stores (in-store bakeries)

Who Cannot Claim

The following are ineligible:

• Persons under 18 years old at time of claim submission
• Estates of deceased persons
• Anyone who opted out of the class action
• Officers and directors of Loblaw/Weston companies
• The defendants and related parties

Where You Lived Determines Your Process

Your residence on December 31, 2021 determines which settlement website to use:

• Outside Quebec: File at CanadianBreadSettlement.ca
• In Quebec: File at QuebecBreadSettlement.ca

How to Join the Class Action and File a Claim

No Action Required for Class Membership

You’re automatically a class member if you meet eligibility criteria. However, you must file a claim to receive compensation.

Step-by-Step Claims Process

1. Visit the Correct Website

• Outside Quebec: www.CanadianBreadSettlement.ca
• Quebec residents: www.QuebecBreadSettlement.ca

2. Provide Personal Information

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Current address
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)

3. Answer Verification Questions

• Most recent packaged bread purchase (approximate date)
• Where you typically bought bread
• Whether you received a $25 Loblaw Card in 2017-2018

4. Choose Payment Method

• Interac e-Transfer (direct to email, no fee)
• Cheque by mail ($2 deduction for processing costs)

5. Submit Before Deadline

CRITICAL DEADLINE: December 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time

Late claims will not be accepted under any circumstances.

No Receipts Required

You don’t need proof of purchase. Claims are based on declarations that you purchased bread during the eligible period. The Settlement Administrator may verify eligibility through provided information.

Alternative Filing Methods

Phone assistance available:

• Outside Quebec: 1-833-419-4821
• Quebec: 1-888-677-5770

Operators can help those unable to complete online forms. However, online submission is faster and recommended.

Multiple Household Members Can Claim

Each eligible person in your household can file a separate claim. There’s no limit per household. Spouses, adult children, and other residents can each submit individual claims if they purchased bread during the eligible period.

Potential Compensation and Payment Amounts

Estimated Payout Range

Based on settlement administrator estimates and class counsel statements, individual claimants can expect $50 to $100 per claim.

Factors Affecting Your Amount

Final payment depends on:

• Total settlement funds ($404 million cash plus $96 million credit)
• Court-approved expenses (legal fees, administration costs)
• Number of approved claims (more claims = smaller individual amounts)
• Whether you received a $25 Loblaw Card (your payment will be reduced by $25)

Loblaw Card Recipients Still Eligible

If you received a $25 gift card in 2017-2018, you can still claim. However:

• Your payment will be reduced by the $25 card value
• You’ll only receive payment if your calculated amount exceeds $30 (ensuring at least $5 after the $25 deduction)
• If insufficient funds remain after initial distribution, card recipients may receive nothing in the first round

Minimum Payment Threshold

Claims under $5 will not be paid out. This prevents administrative costs from exceeding tiny payments.

Second Distribution Possibility

If funds remain after the initial distribution, the Settlement Administrator will conduct a second distribution to all approved claimants. This means you could receive additional money 6-12 months after the first payment.

Business Owners

Separate funds are allocated for businesses that purchased packaged bread for resale between 2001 and 2021. These funds are held in trust and will be distributed later at the court’s discretion through a separate process.

Timeline: When You’ll Receive Money

Claims Deadline: December 12, 2025

All claims must be submitted by 11:59 PM local time. The settlement administrator will not accept late claims.

Processing Period: 6-12 Months

After the December 12 deadline, expect payments between June 2026 and December 2026.

The Settlement Administrator must:

• Review and verify all claims
• Identify fraudulent submissions
• Calculate individual payment amounts
• Obtain court approval for final distribution
• Process payments to hundreds of thousands or millions of claimants

Payment Method Timeline

Interac e-Transfer: Funds deposited directly to your email within days of processing Cheque: Mailed to your address, allow 2-3 weeks for delivery

Recent Court Developments and Case Milestones

October 31, 2017

Competition Bureau executed search warrants at multiple grocery and bakery companies, launching public awareness of the investigation.

December 19, 2017

Loblaw and George Weston publicly admitted participating in price-fixing, announcing immunity from prosecution and offering $25 gift cards to customers.

January 31, 2018

Competition Bureau filed court documents alleging at least $1.50 was artificially added to bread prices.

December 20, 2019

Quebec Superior Court authorized class action against all defendants.

December 31, 2021

Ontario Superior Court certified class action covering all Canadian residents outside Quebec.

June 21, 2023

Canada Bread pleaded guilty to four criminal counts of price-fixing, receiving a $50 million fine—the highest price-fixing penalty in Canadian history at the time. The fine went to federal government revenue, not consumers.

October 25, 2023

Canada Bread filed defence claiming any misconduct occurred under direction of former majority owner Maple Leaf Foods.

December 20, 2023

Metro accused Loblaw and George Weston of conspiring to implicate other grocers falsely. Sobeys made similar accusations.

July 25, 2024

Loblaw and George Weston announced binding settlement agreement for $500 million—the largest antitrust settlement in Canadian history.

January 31, 2025

Parties signed formal settlement agreement.

May 26, 2025

Ontario Superior Court approved the settlement.

June 16, 2025

Quebec Superior Court held approval hearing; decision reserved.

September 11, 2025

Claims process opened at CanadianBreadSettlement.ca and QuebecBreadSettlement.ca.

November 2025

Over 1.4 million Canadians filed claims (excluding Quebec, processed separately).

December 10, 2025

Only two days remain before claims deadline. Settlement administrator and class counsel urged Canadians not to leave money unclaimed.

How This Compares to Other Canadian Class Actions

Largest Antitrust Settlement in Canadian History

The $500 million Loblaws/George Weston settlement surpasses all previous Canadian competition law settlements. Class counsel called it “a significant milestone in Canadian class action history” sending a message that “conduct that harms consumers will not be tolerated.”

Previous Major Settlements

Canada Bread criminal fine: $50 million (2023) — highest price-fixing fine imposed by Canadian court, but money went to government, not consumers

Volkswagen diesel emissions: $290 million settlement (2017) — environmental and consumer fraud claims

Indian Residential Schools: $1.9 billion (2007) — though not a consumer class action

Similar Price-Fixing Cases

The bread scandal mirrors international grocery price-fixing:

• Australia: Multiple supermarket chains accused of misleading pricing practices (2024)
• UK: Supermarkets investigated for alleged coordination on promotions
• US: Numerous grocery antitrust settlements, typically smaller

Ongoing Investigations

The Competition Bureau continues investigating remaining defendants. Class actions against Canada Bread, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart Canada, and Giant Tiger proceed to trial. Additional settlements or verdicts could follow in 2026-2027.

Consumer Impact and Why This Matters

Financial Harm to Canadians

An analysis by economist Jim Grier calculated bread price inflation in Canada during the conspiracy period significantly exceeded U.S. rates. American consumers saw bread prices rise half as fast as Canadian prices during Loblaw’s misconduct period.

Over the 14-year conspiracy, the cost differential for a weekly loaf purchase totaled approximately $400 per household, according to Grier’s analysis published by journalist Markusoff.

Bread as a Staple Product

Competition Bureau Commissioner Matthew Boswell emphasized bread’s significance: “Bread, as we all know, is a staple of the Canadian diet.” Price-fixing on essential goods disproportionately harms low-income families who spend higher percentages of income on groceries.

Corporate Accountability

The settlement and ongoing prosecutions demonstrate corporate accountability for anti-competitive behaviour. However, critics note:

• The scheme lasted 14 years before exposure
• Loblaw and George Weston received immunity despite orchestrating the conspiracy
• The $50 million Canada Bread fine represented a fraction of annual revenue
• No individuals faced criminal charges or imprisonment

Trust in Grocery Sector

The scandal eroded consumer trust during a period of rising food costs. A 2024 boycott targeting Loblaw reflected widespread anger over grocery pricing practices. Loblaw acknowledged in statements the need to “regain the trust of our customers.”

Regulatory Changes

Following the scandal, the federal government amended the Competition Act in 2023, removing the $25 million cap on price-fixing fines. Companies now face unlimited fines, potentially calculated as a percentage of revenues to ensure penalties hurt bottom lines.

Data Privacy Concerns About Claims Process

Personal Information Required

The claims process requires sensitive personal information including full name, date of birth, complete address, and financial details for payment. Some Canadians expressed concerns about sharing data online.

Why Information Is Collected

Settlement administrator Verita explained data collection prevents fraudulent claims and bot submissions that “have besieged class-actions claim process in recent years.”

Fraud Prevention

A 2025 Western Alliance Bank report documented a 19,000% increase in fraudulent class action claims between 2021 and 2023. A 2019 Godiva Chocolates settlement found 47% of claims were fraudulent.

Data Security Measures

The settlement websites use standard encryption and security protocols. Information is retained for auditing, compliance purposes, and potential future settlements with remaining defendants. Class counsel stated personal information will eventually be destroyed.

Class action administrator Kelly Chiodo noted, “When there’s fraud, that takes away money from legitimate class members and ruins the settlement.”

Alternative for Privacy-Concerned Claimants

Phone lines offer assistance for those uncomfortable submitting online:

• Outside Quebec: 1-833-419-4821
• Quebec: 1-888-677-5770

What Affected Consumers Should Do Now

File Your Claim Immediately

The December 12, 2025 deadline is absolute. Claims filed even one day late will not be accepted.

Class counsel Jay Strosberg urged: “It’ll take five minutes, tell your mom, tell your brother, tell dad, tell cousin, tell girlfriend, tell boyfriend, whoever it is.”

Encourage Family Members to File

Each eligible person in your household should file separately. Parents can file for adult children living at home if they’re 18+. Roommates, spouses, and other household members each qualify for individual claims.

Gather Basic Information

Before filing, prepare:

• Your current address
• Email address for Interac e-Transfer (recommended)
• Approximate date of recent bread purchase
• Store where you typically bought bread
• Whether you received a Loblaw Card in 2017-2018

Choose Interac e-Transfer

Selecting Interac e-Transfer avoids the $2 cheque processing fee and ensures faster payment.

Don’t Worry About Receipts

No proof of purchase is required. The process relies on declarations. However, provide truthful information as false claims constitute fraud.

Monitor for Updates

Check settlement websites for announcements about payment dates after the December 12 deadline:

• www.CanadianBreadSettlement.ca
• www.QuebecBreadSettlement.ca

Consider Tax Implications

Settlement payments may be taxable income. Consult a tax professional about reporting requirements, though amounts under $100 typically don’t trigger significant tax consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need receipts to file a claim?

No. The claims process does not require proof of purchase. You’ll be asked to confirm you purchased packaged bread during the eligible period, but receipts are not necessary.

Can I still claim if I received a $25 Loblaw Card?

Yes. You can file a claim, but your payment will be reduced by $25. You’ll only receive money if your calculated share exceeds $30 (ensuring at least $5 after deduction). If funds remain after initial distribution, card recipients may receive additional money in a second distribution.

How much money will I receive?

Estimates suggest $50-$100 per claimant, depending on total approved claims and whether you received a Loblaw Card. The Settlement Administrator will calculate exact amounts after the December 12 deadline.

When will I receive my payment?

Payments typically arrive 6-12 months after the claims deadline. Expect money between June 2026 and December 2026. Interac e-Transfers arrive faster than cheques.

What if I don’t remember when I bought bread?

That’s fine. The claim form asks for your most recent purchase as a verification question, but you don’t need exact dates. Providing approximate information is acceptable.

Can everyone in my household file a claim?

Yes, if they’re 18+ and resided in Canada on December 31, 2021. Each eligible person can file a separate claim. There’s no household limit.

What if I lived in different provinces during 2001-2021?

Your residence on December 31, 2021 determines which website to use (Quebec vs. rest of Canada). Where you lived during the 2001-2021 period doesn’t affect eligibility.

Are the other grocery stores going to settle?

Unknown. Class actions continue against Canada Bread, Sobeys, Metro, Walmart Canada, and Giant Tiger. Those cases could result in additional settlements or proceed to trial. Any future settlements will likely involve separate claims processes.

Is this settlement website legitimate or a scam?

The websites are legitimate and were established by court-approved settlement administrators (Verita for Canada outside Quebec, Concilia for Quebec). If unsure, verify through class counsel websites at major law firms like Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP.

What happens if I miss the December 12 deadline?

You will not receive any compensation. The deadline is absolute with no exceptions. Late claims will not be accepted.

Official Sources:

• Canadian Bread Settlement Website
• Quebec Bread Settlement Website
• Competition Bureau Canada
• Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP – Bread Class Action
• LPC Avocats – Quebec Bread Settlement

Last updated: December 10, 2025. Claims deadline is December 12, 2025. This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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