Deadline to cash in on $2.6M Dollarama class-action settlement looms

Canadians are almost out of time to submit a claim for a Dollarama class action that resulted in a large settlement.

As the February 14 deadline approaches, here's what you should know.

Law firm LPC Avocats filed a class-action lawsuit against the Quebec-based retail chain, alleging that Dollarama failed to correctly display the total price of products subject to environmental handling fees (EHFs). These fees apply to items such as batteries, electronic products, lightbulbs or toys with batteries.

A release from the law firm states, "the Plaintiff essentially alleged, among other things, that Dollarama did not properly advertise (display) the price of products subject to EHFs it offered for sale and that it charged a total price or EHFs higher than displayed for these products or allowed by law."

Dollarama has agreed to pay a settlement of $2,643,718.75, which the court has approved.

"In addition to paying the Settlement Amount, Dollarama has voluntarily implemented business practice changes, detailed in the Settlement Agreement, regarding how it displays the price of its products subject to Ecofees," reads the statement.

Are you eligible?

If you purchased a product eligible for an EHF at a Dollarama anywhere in Canada, you could claim part of the settlement.

For Quebec shoppers, purchases must have been made between December 11, 2019, and July 4, 2023. For others elsewhere in Canada, purchases must have been made between April 29, 2021 and July 4, 2023.

How much can you receive?

If eligible, you could receive between $3 and $10, depending on the total number of approved claimants. Regardless of the number of products subject to EHFs you've purchased, you'll only be eligible for a single claim. If your claim is approved, you'll receive a maximum of $10 via Interac e-transfer.

How do you claim part of the settlement?

The deadline to cash in on the settlement is fast approaching. You must submit a claim through the class-action website no later than February 14, 2025.