If you have purchased products from Dollarama in recent years that include an EcoFee, such as batteries, electronic products, light bulbs or toys containing batteries, you will most likely be able to obtain compensation of a few dollars.
The Superior Court of Quebec has just authorized a class action for the sole purposes of settlement, in connection with a request made in 2023 by a Quebecer who alleged in particular that the prices announced and invoiced by Dollarama for products subject to Ecofees and sold at Canada were not correctly advertised.
Dollarama agreed to pay a total amount of some $2.6 million to compensate members. This amount, less legal fees, will be redistributed among the claimants, who will receive an Interac transfer in an amount between $3 and $10, depending on the total number of people approved.
The additional money will be donated to charities if applicable. If too many people register so that the amount can be $3 per person, all of the money will be donated to organizations.
To be eligible, you must have purchased at Dollarama in Quebec at least one product subject to an Ecofee between December 11, 2019 and July 4, 2023, or elsewhere in Canada between April 29, 2021 and July 4, 2023.
A settlement approval hearing will be held on December 2. If the Court approves the settlement, which is generally the case, a claim form will be available at reglementecofraisdollarama.com. People who complete it must certify that they have purchased at least one of these products, specifying the city of purchase. No invoice will be required.
In addition to paying this amount, Dollarama has voluntarily implemented changes to the way it displays the price of its products subject to Ecofees to make the amount to be paid clearer than before.