Class-action settlements Canadians could cash in on in 2025
Looking for an easy way to get extra cash this year? It might be worth seeing if you’re eligible for any class-action lawsuit settlements.
With today’s high cost of living, a few extra bucks can go a long way, and it’s always a bit easier when all you have to do is fill out a few online forms.
That is often the case when it comes to class-action settlements, and there are a few recent ones Canadians should know about that they might be able to cash in on — depending on eligibility.
$500-million Loblaw bread price-fixing settlement
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A $500-million settlement agreement with George Weston Limited and Loblaw Companies Limited was executed on Jan. 31, 2025, to settle nationwide class-action lawsuits against them related to industry-wide price fixing for certain packaged bread products.
The settlement is still subject to court approval in Ontario and Quebec. Approval hearings will occur on May 5 in Toronto and June 16 in Montreal.
If approved, Weston and Loblaw will provide a cash payment of $404 million, with $96 million already paid by the grocer through the Loblaw Card program in 2017.
Class members in Canada outside of Quebec will be allocated 78 per cent of the settlement funds (minus court-approved expenses), and 22 per cent will go to class members in Quebec.
Learn more about who’s eligible.
$32.5-billion tobacco class-action lawsuit settlement
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If you or someone you know has experienced the harmful effects of smoking, you might be able to claim a part of a “historic” settlement in a tobacco class-action lawsuit.
Last October, the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health (QCTH) announced the filing of a proposed plan of arrangement from three major tobacco companies — JTI-Macdonald Corp.; Rothmans, Benson & Hedges; and Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd. — after they spent over five years in negotiations with their creditors.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved the settlement of the $32.5-billion tobacco lawsuit in early March.
QCTH says the plan will allow the distribution of substantial financial compensation to victims, their heirs, and their heirs’ heirs. Canadians can claim up to $100,000 depending their circumstances.
Learn more about who’s eligible.
$8.5-million TD mutual funds settlement
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The Ontario Superior Court of Justice approved a class-action settlement with TD Asset Management Inc. for $8.5 million at the start of March.
The class actions alleged that the defendants’ payments of trailing commissions to mutual fund dealers were “improper” and caused investors to “suffer diminished returns on their mutual fund units,” according to the law firm.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and still own units of a TD mutual fund, you’re not required to submit a claim for compensation. The law firm says it will direct the defendant to deposit a portion of the net settlement amount into each TD mutual fund trust, so keep an eye on your bank account.
Class members who no longer hold any units of TD mutual fund should submit a claim by Aug. 28, 2025, to receive compensation.
Learn more about who’s eligible.
$2.1-million Dell class-action settlement
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The Nova Scotia Supreme Court approved a $2.1-million settlement in a class-action lawsuit against Dell in February.
On Oct. 1, 2020, a class action lawsuit was filed against Dell USA L.P. and Dell Canada Inc., seeking compensation for data thefts by Dell’s former service provider.
According to law firm Wagners, Dell customers became the target of tech support scam calls due to data theft that occurred in 2017. Dell notified customers of the incident on April 2, 2018, and Jan. 25, 2019.
According to the law firm, 14,179 Canadians are eligible, and there are two types of compensation.
The first is a base payment of $85, which eligible class members can receive after submitting a distribution form. To claim a base payment, you don’t need to provide proof demonstrating any loss or time spent remedying the data thefts.
Learn more about who’s eligible.
$150-million Canadian Armed Forces class-action settlement
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Law firm Stewart McKelvey announced that the Federal Court certified a class action and approved a settlement for current and former CAF members who experienced racial discrimination or racial harassment during military service.
Individual payments for class members can range from $5,000 to $35,000, in proportion to the $150-million settlement. The law firm says the claim period isn’t open yet.
Learn more about who’s eligible.
$70-million TD Mutual Funds class-action settlement
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A multimillion-dollar class action settlement regarding TD mutual funds was reached last year, and Canadian investors could claim a part of it.
The settlement of $70.25 million was reached with TD Asset Management to resolve the claim, which is pending approval by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice during an approval hearing on Dec. 9. Law firm Siskinds LLP brought the lawsuit on behalf of Canadians who held TD mutual funds through discount brokers.
According to TD, mutual funds are a type of investment where “the money collected from various investors is pooled together to invest in different assets, including bonds, stocks, and/or money market investments.” Mutual funds are managed by fund managers who allocate the fund’s assets to produce higher returns for investors.
Trailing commissions, or trailer fees, are compensation for mutual fund dealers who advise investors. Over the years, these commissions were also paid to discount brokers.
These discount brokers operate online, including on BMO InvestorLine, TD Direct Investing, RBC Direct Investing, CIBC Investor’s Edge, Scotia iTRADE, and National Bank Direct Brokerage. However, online-only operators aren’t allowed to provide investment advice.
Learn more about who’s eligible.
$2.2-million moulded doors settlement
If you’ve renovated your home in the past 10 years, you might be able to cash in on a new major settlement.
Siskinds LLP announced last year that a proposed settlement has been reached in class-action lawsuits alleging price fixing and related conduct regarding interior moulded doors purchased in Canada.
According to the law firm, the defendants, Masonite and JELD-WEN, which are two of the largest moulded door manufacturers in North America, have agreed to $1,151,920 and $1,060,000 settlements, respectively, equalling a total of $2.2 million.
The proposed settlement still has to be approved by the Federal Court of Canada.
Learn more about who’s eligible.
With files from Irish Mae Silvestre and Isabelle Docto
This article was originally published on Jan. 18, 2025. It has since been updated.