Canadians who purchased beef after 2015 might qualify for a portion of nearly $8 million under a proposed settlement with companies accused of price-fixing. Several Canadian law firms announced that JBS USA Company, Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland Inc., and JBS Canada ULC have agreed to pay $7.49 million, while National Beef will pay $495,000.
The settlement, which is subject to court approval, does not imply guilt on the part of the companies. A settlement hearing for members in all provinces except Quebec is set for September 10, with the Quebec hearing scheduled for December 1. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleged that beef-selling companies were part of an illegal conspiracy related to the supply or pricing of beef in Canada.
Legal teams, including CFM Lawyers LLP in B.C., Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP in Ontario, and Belleau Lapointe LLP in Quebec, initiated the settlement. Notably, the settlement does not cover beef products bought by the food service industry.
The legal action continues against specific defendants from Cargill and Tyson. Eligible Canadians who wish to opt out, potentially to pursue their own lawsuit, must do so by August 10. This settlement follows a previous bread price-fixing case where Canadians began receiving compensation in May; Loblaw and George Weston Ltd. agreed in 2024 to pay $500 million to resolve the class action for bread purchases made between 2001 and 2021.