Beef buyers in Quebec could claim $8 million from price-fixing settlement
If you bought beef in Canada since January 2015, you're automatically included in a class action settlement—but you'll need to opt out by August 10 if you don't want to participate.
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Anyone in Quebec who bought beef for personal use since January 1, 2015, is automatically included in a new class action settlement over alleged price-fixing by major beef suppliers.
JBS has agreed to settle for $7.5 million and National Beef for $495,000—neither company admitted wrongdoing. The settlement covers actual cuts of meat bought in Canada, though it excludes pre-seasoned or marinated products where beef is one ingredient among others, and anything purchased through restaurants or food service.
You don't need to do anything to stay in the class action. If you're fine being included and don't object, you're automatically covered. The money from JBS and National Beef is currently sitting untouched while the broader case works through courts against other companies that haven't settled.
Once the courts decide how claims will be paid out, eligible people will be contacted directly. The legal process is still moving forward, so no cheques are expected soon.
If you want out, you must submit a signed letter (mail, courier, fax, or email) with your name, address, and contact info stating you're opting out. The deadline is August 10, 2026. Opting out means walking away from any future payout but also frees you from being bound by what the courts decide.
You can also object to the settlement or weigh in on legal fees—those submissions need to reach one of the law firms by September 9, 2026 (outside Quebec) or November 30, 2026 (in Quebec).
The facts
How much money did JBS and National Beef agree to settle for?
JBS agreed to settle for $7.5 million and National Beef for $495,000 in the class action over alleged price-fixing by beef suppliers.
When is the deadline to opt out of the settlement?
August 10, 2026 is the deadline to opt out of the settlement by submitting a signed letter with your name, address, and contact information.
What beef products are covered by the settlement?
The settlement covers actual cuts of beef bought in Canada since January 1, 2015, but excludes pre-seasoned or marinated products where beef is one ingredient among others, and anything purchased through restaurants or food service.
