Loblaw criticized for personal information requests in card roll-out

CALGARY — Loblaw Companies Ltd. isn’t providing details as to why some Canadians are being singled out to hand over additional personal information to secure their $25 gift card related to the alleged bread price-fixing scandal. Customers have been expressing privacy concerns online about the company’s request asking some to provide a scan of their driver’s license or a utility bill in order to receive the card.

Loblaw says that it is sensible to have safeguards in place as it goes about issuing tens of millions of dollars in cards, but isn’t explaining how people are being selected to prove their identity.

The company says the process is secure and customer information submitted will be used solely for verification and then destroyed.