Price fixing another blow against consumers

Why does tipping off Canada’s competition watchdog give Loblaw immunity from prosecution in the ensuing investigation? Loblaw is still part of the same alleged conspiracy (an industry-wide bread price- fixing arrangement for 14 years). Interesting to note here that the Competition Bureau announced in late September that it plans to review its leniency and immunity programs this year.

Price fixing ideally is punishable by prison terms and hefty fines or both. Prosecutions for price fixing are unsuccessful the majority of times after long-drawn-out investigations.

I believe about 10 years ago Nestle Canada, Hershey and other chocolate manufacturers got away with no criminal charges after a lengthy court case. Another case was the four gasoline companies in Quebec in 2004 who conspired to raise gasoline prices in four Quebec cities and got away with it.

Loblaw is desperately trying a free $25 gift card as an apology. Their customers may well be entitled to much more recompense for the bread they were overcharged on for 14 years.

Price fixing is disheartening. You should be able to trust your supermarket and bakery. This bread price-fixing arrangement gives supermarkets and retail in general a very bad name. What's next — dairy, etc.?

Interestingly, the marketing people at Weston Bakeries and Loblaw who were responsible for their companies’ role in the arrangement are no longer employed by the company, as they took the hit for the incident.

Sadly, the rich keep getting richer at the expense of the poor.

That locally owned independent bakery is looking mighty appealing for me to spend my dough. John Elves

Lethbridge