Introduction

Canadians who purchased packaged bread over a span of two decades are facing their final opportunity to claim compensation in one of the country’s most significant consumer settlement cases. The deadline marks the culmination of a long-running class-action lawsuit involving allegations of widespread price fixing within the grocery industry—an issue that affected millions of households nationwide.

The $500-million settlement, tied to Loblaw Companies Ltd. and its parent firm George Weston Ltd., aims to compensate consumers who unknowingly paid inflated prices for a basic staple: bread. With the claims period closing on Friday, officials are urging eligible Canadians to submit their requests before the window officially shuts.

This detailed report outlines the background of the settlement, explains the claims process, and explores what consumers can expect in the months ahead.

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The Bread Price-Fixing Allegations

A Two-Decade Timeline

The controversy dates back to purchases made between January 2001 and December 2021, a 20-year period during which the cost of packaged bread allegedly increased artificially. The class-action lawsuit asserted that several major retailers and manufacturers participated in a coordinated effort to raise bread prices by approximately $1.50 per loaf, impacting millions of shoppers across Canada.

Key Players in the Case

At the heart of the settlement are:

• Loblaw Companies Ltd.

• George Weston Ltd.

Both companies were named in the lawsuit and ultimately agreed to contribute a significant portion of the settlement funds. The companies previously acknowledged involvement in price adjustments but maintained that their actions were part of an industry-wide system and that they later took steps to address the issue.

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Understanding the $500-Million Settlement

How the Funds Are Distributed

The settlement totals $500 million, divided into two main components:

1. Cash Compensation: $404 Million

A combined $404 million is being paid directly by Loblaw and George Weston. This amount forms the primary pool for compensating Canadians who submit valid claims.

2. Gift Card Program Value: $96 Million

The remaining $96 million corresponds to the value of a nationwide gift card program launched by Loblaw in 2018.
This initiative, introduced before the lawsuit was settled, offered customers $25 gift cards as a gesture of goodwill after the company publicly admitted to participating in price fixing.

While many Canadians took advantage of that program at the time, the new settlement ensures that even those who previously received a Loblaw gift card may still be eligible for additional compensation—provided enough funds remain after distributing standard claims.

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How the Claims Process Works

Simple, Accessible, and Open to Most Canadians

Any Canadian resident who bought packaged bread during the specified 20-year period can file a claim. Crucially, no proof of purchase is required, making the process accessible to nearly everyone who may have been affected.

Where to File

Claims must be submitted online through the Canadian Bread Settlement website.
Because the deadline ends on Friday, officials emphasize that late submissions will not be accepted.

Expected Payouts

Canadians who submit claims are expected to receive a flat payment of $25.
This amount may vary slightly depending on the total number of valid claims, but officials anticipate the distribution process to be completed within six to twelve months following the close of the claim window.

Eligibility for Previous Gift Card Recipients

Those who took part in Loblaw’s earlier gift card program remain eligible for this new settlement; however, they will only receive compensation if enough funds remain after all other claims have been processed. Legal representatives involved in the case have advised Canadians to apply regardless of their participation in previous programs.

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Why the Claims Deadline Matters

Large-Scale Consumer Impact

Bread is a staple product found in nearly every household, and the alleged price-fixing scheme spanned two full decades. The scope of the issue means the settlement may represent one of the widest-reaching consumer compensation efforts in Canadian history.

Strong Public Interest

Consumer lawyers have repeatedly encouraged all eligible Canadians to file claims. According to them, the settlement money was allocated specifically to compensate affected shoppers, and leaving funds unclaimed would diminish the intended impact of the agreement.

Accountability and Industry Transparency

Beyond financial compensation, the case has reignited discussions about transparency, regulation, and fairness within Canada’s grocery industry.
The settlement serves as a reminder of the critical role oversight plays in maintaining competitive pricing in essential consumer markets.

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Settlement Background and Legal Process

How the Case Developed

The investigation and legal proceedings surrounding the bread price-fixing allegations have been ongoing for several years. Loblaw and George Weston admitted in 2017 that there was coordination with competitors to adjust bread prices over a 14-year period. Though the companies cooperated with authorities at the time, several class-action lawsuits were subsequently filed on behalf of consumers who were affected by the inflated prices.

Lengthy Negotiations

The final settlement represents years of legal discussions, evidence review, consumer advocacy efforts, and corporate negotiations. Importantly, the settlement is not an admission of ongoing wrongdoing, but rather a resolution agreed upon to compensate consumers and conclude the legal matters tied to the claims.

Why No Proof of Purchase Was Required

Given the timeframe covered—spanning from 2001 to 2021—lawyers and regulators agreed that requiring receipts would be unreasonable and would exclude countless legitimate claimants. Most consumers do not retain grocery receipts over several decades, making documentation nearly impossible.

The decision to waive proof requirements ensures fairness and broad accessibility.

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What Happens After the Deadline?

Verification and Processing

Once the claims window closes, administrators will begin verifying submissions and calculating distribution amounts. This phase includes:

• Validating that claimants meet eligibility requirements

• Determining the total number of claims

• Assessing remaining funds for those who previously received gift cards

Payout Timeline

Officials estimate the processing period to take six to twelve months, depending on the claim volume. Claimants will be notified once payouts are ready.

Possible Adjustments

If the number of claims significantly exceeds expectations, the settlement payout per person could be adjusted slightly. However, the projected amount of $25 per claimant is considered likely.

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Conclusion

The closing of the claims period marks a significant chapter in a long-running legal and consumer matter that has touched millions of Canadians. With $500 million allocated for compensation, the settlement seeks to deliver restitution to those who spent years overpaying—often unknowingly—for a basic household necessity.

Today represents the final opportunity for Canadians to participate in one of the nation’s largest consumer compensation efforts. For those who purchased packaged bread at any time from 2001 to 2021, filing a claim is a simple step that ensures they receive their share of the settlement.

A Longtime Delivery Worker Faces an Unexpected Roadblock

In Toronto’s dense patchwork of neighborhoods, where delivery riders weave through traffic like determined messengers on a mission, one courier says he suddenly found himself locked out of the job that had shaped his daily life. According to 28-year-old Nan You, an abrupt account deactivation by Uber Eats not only halted his work but also severed the financial lifeline he had relied on for years.

His experience raises tough questions about platform transparency, the vulnerability of gig workers, and the thin line between operational safeguards and unintended consequences. It also mirrors anxieties circulating widely in the app-based workforce: What happens when your livelihood depends on a digital account you don’t control?

Four Years, 14,000 Deliveries—and Then a Single Notification

A Career Built on Reliability

You had been delivering for the platform for more than four years, logging more than 14,000 completed trips and keeping an impressive satisfaction rating of 98 percent. The numbers reflect a courier who did not treat the role as a temporary side hustle but rather as a full-time profession. For him, the job was straightforward—hard work, long hours, and consistency.

He wasn’t exaggerating about the hours, either. By his own account, he put in a minimum of 80 hours each week. That is the type of schedule most people associate with startup founders, not cyclists hauling takeout orders through unpredictable Canadian weather. “I work 80-plus hours, minimum, 80 hours a week,” he said. It was relentless. It was exhausting. But it was stable—until it wasn’t.

A Notification That Changed Everything

On Monday, without any prior issues flagged, he opened the app to start his day. Instead of a new batch of orders, he received a message stating that his profile had been duplicated. As he understood it, Uber prohibits couriers from having more than one account, and the system had seemingly detected an additional profile linked to him. The result: permanent deactivation.

No details. No context. No explanation of how or why the duplication occurred.

And that, he says, is what stings the most. “I’m feeling really bad because first, I lost my job, and then second of all, this is my source of income,” he explained.

The Consequences of a Digital Decision

When Your Income Lives Inside an App

Gig-economy couriers often say the freedom to choose their own hours is a gift. But it’s also a trade-off. There’s no HR office down the hall. No union representative to call. No guaranteed paycheck. As You puts it, one automated notification can erase years of effort.

It’s a scenario thousands of gig workers hope they never face: the sudden realization that a platform decision—sometimes made by an algorithm—has the final say over whether you can work.

A Fictional But Familiar Parallel

A few summers ago, I met a courier named Julian while waiting for a coffee in downtown Toronto. He laughed while telling me he felt married to his delivery app. “It knows where I am more often than my girlfriend does,” he joked. Then, as comedians often do, he pivoted to a darker truth: “But if it ever leaves me, I’m doomed.”

He said it with a grin, but the point landed. The comedian George Carlin once quipped, “That’s why they call it the American Dream—because you have to be asleep to believe it.” For many gig workers, the dream of flexibility can feel just as fragile.

Julian’s lighthearted metaphor now echoes eerily in You’s story: When the app that watched every mile suddenly stops recognizing you, what happens next?

Understanding the Duplicate Account Issue

Why Platforms Monitor Duplicate Profiles

App-based companies implement strict identity policies to prevent fraud, protect customers, and ensure safety. Duplicate accounts can signal unauthorized use, account sharing, or attempts to circumvent performance metrics. From a business perspective, the guardrails make sense.

But as multiple gig-economy advocates have argued, automated detection systems don’t always distinguish between genuine wrongdoing and technical anomalies. In those moments, the burden of explanation often falls on the workers—freelancers who may not have the tools or visibility to prove their case.

Limited Transparency Fuels Frustration

What troubles You most is not just the deactivation, but the lack of clarity about what triggered it. When a courier’s identity or account status is questioned, detailed reasoning and human-led review can make the difference between a temporary disruption and a total loss of income.

His story underscores a structural tension: platforms emphasize efficiency, but workers need empathy, communication, and due process.

A Sudden Loss of Stability

The Weight of a Single Source of Income

You says the job wasn’t just a paycheck. It was a system he had built his life around. The routine gave him purpose, structure, and financial reliability. When that disappears without warning, the emotional and economic consequences can be severe.

Anyone who has experienced sudden job loss understands the gut-punch. But losing work through an app notification adds an extra twist. There’s no conversation with a supervisor. No chance to clarify. No opportunity to correct. Just a message—and then silence.

The Human Impact Beneath the Headlines

Imagine working through snowstorms, summer heatwaves, and late-night rushes for four years straight. Imagine building relationships with restaurant workers who recognize you, customers who appreciate your consistency, and a personal rhythm shaped entirely around a role you’ve mastered.

Then picture it all evaporating at the tap of a button. Wouldn’t you feel blindsided?

The Broader Gig-Economy Conversation

Why These Cases Draw Public Attention

Stories like You’s resonate widely because they highlight an essential truth: digital platforms are not just apps—they’re workplaces. And when workplace decisions lack transparency, workers are left with uncertainty and stress.

The debate is not about eliminating safety protocols or accountability. It’s about bridging the gap between algorithmic efficiency and human-centered decision-making.

A Growing Push for Clearer Policies

Advocates across cities have argued that gig workers need:

• More detailed explanations for account actions

• Access to appeals reviewed by real people

• Advance warning when possible

• Stronger mechanisms to contest errors

These measures, they argue, don’t hinder safety. They enhance trust.

Looking Ahead for the Toronto Courier

Seeking Answers and Hoping for Resolution

For now, You is still waiting for more clarity from the company. He wants to understand what happened, why it happened, and whether it can be resolved. More than anything, he wants the opportunity to work again.

His situation is a reminder that behind every delivery bag and bicycle helmet is a person managing bills, aspirations, and sometimes razor-thin financial margins. The gig-economy might be built on technology, but its consequences play out in human lives.

A Personal Chapter That Reflects a Larger Story

Despite the setback, You’s past performance and persistence suggest he is not someone who easily gives up. The sense of accomplishment he once felt from completing thousands of deliveries hasn’t vanished. Nor has the potential to rebuild—whether within the platform or beyond it.

As one might say, when a door closes, a window opens. Though in the gig-economy, sometimes it feels like you’re waiting for the app to unlock the window first.

Conclusion: A Case That Captures the Modern Work Landscape

Nan You’s experience highlights a defining tension of platform-based labor: the promise of independence paired with the risk of sudden instability. His sudden deactivation raises broader questions about fairness, communication, and the systems governing gig work.

It also spotlights the resilience of workers who handle the daily realities of long hours, unpredictable conditions, and digital gatekeepers. His story is not merely about a lost account—it’s about the earnest pursuit of stability in a world where the rules can shift without notice.

Months of Advocacy Lead to Reversal of Controversial Cancellation

After months of discussions, parents and students at Southwood Park Public School in Ajax have successfully secured the return of overnight school trips that were previously cancelled. The decision to overturn the cancellations comes after persistent advocacy from families, who argued that the initial move was abrupt and lacked consultation.

The controversy began in early October when families received a letter from the school administration informing them that all overnight trips for students would be suspended. For Grade 8 students, this meant that the traditional graduation trip to Ottawa would no longer take place. Students in Grades 6 and 7 were also affected, missing out on excursions to Claremont Nature Centre in Pickering and Muskoka Woods, respectively.

The letter cited concerns over potential cultural or personal barriers, financial burdens on families, and the additional responsibilities required of staff outside of regular working hours as reasons for the cancellations.

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Parents and Students Push Back

Petitions and Appeals to the School

The decision quickly prompted a response from parents and students, who questioned why such a significant change had been made without prior consultation. Families expressed frustration at what they saw as an abrupt and unilateral decision by the school administration, emphasizing the educational and social importance of overnight trips.

According to several parents, initial communications from the school made it clear that the administration did not intend to reverse the cancellations. However, advocacy efforts continued, with parents organizing petitions, attending school meetings, and engaging in sustained dialogue with school officials.

Community Collaboration Drives Change

The turning point came after months of negotiations involving the school’s new administration, the School Community Council, and the Southwood Parent Coalition. Through collaborative discussions, all parties worked to identify a solution that balanced safety, accessibility, and the educational benefits of overnight trips.

“Thanks to a truly collaborative effort between the school’s new administration, the School Community Council, and the Southwood Parent Coalition, we reached a solution that restores these important experiences for our students,” said parent Erika Hill in an email to CBC News.

Hill highlighted the shared commitment to student success that guided the discussions. “After thoughtful dialogue, shared problem-solving, and a mutual commitment to student success, the school and parent groups have developed a plan that is safe, accessible, and enriching for all students,” she added.

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Details of the Restored Trips

Grade 6: Overnight Experience at Claremont Nature Centre

The agreement allows Grade 6 students to attend a one-night overnight trip to the Claremont Nature Centre in Pickering. This excursion provides students with an immersive experience in nature, combining educational programs with recreational activities. The overnight component is expected to foster independence, teamwork, and social skills, which are considered critical developmental experiences for students at this grade level.

Grade 7: Day Trip to Toronto

For Grade 7 students, the revised plan substitutes an overnight trip with a full-day excursion to Toronto. Students will have the opportunity to participate in multiple experiences, including attending a Blue Jays game. While the day trip does not replicate the overnight component, school officials and parents worked to ensure it remains educational, engaging, and memorable for participants.

Grade 8: Two-Night Trip to Camp Muskoka

Grade 8 students, who were originally scheduled for a graduation trip to Ottawa, will instead travel to Camp Muskoka for a two-night overnight experience. This arrangement allows students to enjoy a traditional trip with camping, outdoor learning, and social activities, providing a meaningful conclusion to their elementary school experience despite the change in destination.

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Community Reactions

Bittersweet Response from Parent Council

While the agreement has been broadly welcomed, some community members expressed mixed feelings about the concessions made. Denisa Langevine, chair of the local School Community Council, acknowledged that the compromise was bittersweet.

“It’s sweet because the Grade 6 and Grade 8s get to have an overnight trip. It’s slightly bitter because the Grade 7s don’t get an overnight trip,” Langevine told CBC News.

Nevertheless, she emphasized the significance of restoring the trips, noting that the efforts of both parents and school administrators ensured that students would not be deprived of these formative experiences.

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The Importance of Overnight Trips in Education

Social and Educational Benefits

Overnight trips are considered valuable components of elementary school education. They provide opportunities for students to develop independence, strengthen peer relationships, and participate in experiential learning outside the classroom. For many students, these trips serve as milestones in their academic journey, offering experiences that cannot be replicated through day-to-day school activities.

Balancing Accessibility and Participation

The initial cancellation highlighted the challenges schools face in balancing educational enrichment with practical considerations. The original letter cited potential barriers related to cultural, personal, and financial factors, as well as the added responsibilities for staff.

By negotiating a compromise, the school and parent groups aimed to make trips accessible to all students while minimizing logistical and financial challenges. The collaborative approach underscores the importance of open communication between schools and families in ensuring that students receive enriching educational experiences.

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Moving Forward: Lessons Learned

Enhanced Communication and Consultation

One of the key takeaways from the Ajax school case is the importance of consultation and transparency in decision-making. Parents and students argued that the initial cancellation lacked sufficient communication, leading to confusion and frustration. The eventual resolution demonstrates that proactive dialogue and collaboration can lead to outcomes that serve the interests of both students and the school community.

Potential Model for Other Schools

The successful restoration of overnight trips at Southwood Park Public School may serve as a model for other schools facing similar challenges. By involving parent councils, student representatives, and administrative staff in decision-making, schools can address concerns while maintaining access to important educational experiences.

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Conclusion: A Win for Students and Families

After months of advocacy, negotiation, and collaboration, Southwood Park Public School has restored overnight trips for Grades 6 and 8 and implemented engaging alternatives for Grade 7 students. While not all original plans could be reinstated, the resolution represents a significant victory for parents and students who fought to preserve these enriching experiences.

The case highlights the importance of community involvement, thoughtful problem-solving, and the value of experiential learning opportunities in elementary education. For students at Southwood Park, the return of overnight trips marks the promise of memorable experiences, personal growth, and meaningful educational engagement in the coming school year.

Co-Accused Faces Intense Cross-Examination as Testimony Shifts in Milton Court

The murder trial of two Burlington women accused in the death of a 12-year-old boy took a disturbing turn on Tuesday as the Ontario Superior Court in Milton heard graphic descriptions of confinement, surveillance, and prolonged restraint used on two Indigenous brothers under their care.

During her second day on the stand, Brandy Cooney—one of the two women charged—faced rigorous cross-examination that challenged the credibility and consistency of her earlier testimony. The courtroom was presented with details alleging that the brothers were locked in their bedrooms for up to 18 hours at a time, placed in zip-tied wetsuits and tube-like sleep sacks, confined with helmets, and monitored through an elaborate setup of bells, chimes, and cameras.

Cooney and her wife, Becky Hamber, are jointly charged with first-degree murder in the death of 12-year-old L.L., as well as confinement, assault with a weapon, and failing to provide the necessaries of life to his younger brother, J.L. Both women have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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A Disturbing Pattern of Control Revealed in Court

Brothers Locked in Bedrooms for Long Periods

According to testimony presented Tuesday, the two boys spent extended periods locked in their bedrooms, sometimes for as long as 18 hours. This practice allegedly took place during the final year that the brothers lived with Cooney and Hamber.

Cooney acknowledged that both boys were confined regularly, but insisted the measures were intended to protect them from harming themselves. Her explanation, however, shifted notably under questioning from the Crown.

Zip Ties, Wetsuits, Sleep Sacks, and Helmets

The court heard that the children were restrained in various ways, including being placed inside wetsuits or sleep sacks that were zip-tied shut. In some cases, their helmets were also zip-tied onto their heads to prevent what the women described as self-harming behaviour.

These practices—combined with locking the boys in their rooms—formed a pattern of nightly control that the Crown alleges contributed directly to L.L.’s death in December 2022. At the time of his death, the 12-year-old was so severely malnourished that he weighed the same as he had at age six, a fact the court has previously heard since the trial began in mid-September.

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Cooney’s Testimony Shifts Under Crown Scrutiny

Monday’s Account vs. Tuesday’s Cross-Examination

On Monday, during questioning by the defence, Cooney had insisted that restraints were rarely used and that she and her wife “loved and cared” for both boys. She claimed that the children displayed volatile behaviour, describing explosive tantrums and destructive episodes that allegedly included urinating and defecating throughout the home.

She also stated that she “never” restrained the younger brother, J.L., except for a single incident in which she held him for seven hours as a form of comfort.

However, when assistant Crown attorney Monica MacKenzie began cross-examining her on Tuesday, Cooney’s narrative began to shift. Under repeated questioning, she conceded that she and Hamber regularly restrained both boys.

“Yes, I Did Use a Jacket” — A Shift in Tone

In a striking moment, Cooney admitted that she used a jacket to prevent one of the boys from choking himself. She also acknowledged that the sleeves of their wetsuits were zip-tied closed to stop them from using their hands to self-harm.

“Yes, I did use a jacket, so he didn’t try to choke himself and die,” she said during questioning. “And yes, I did zip-tie the end of [their wetsuit] sleeves to stop them from using their hands to choke themselves out.”

These admissions contrasted sharply with her earlier testimony and raised questions about whether the restraints were used as protection or punishment—or as a consistent form of control.

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Constant Surveillance Inside the Home

Cameras in Nearly Every Room

Cooney testified that she and Hamber installed cameras throughout most rooms in their Burlington home. These cameras transmitted live footage to their phones, which they monitored “much of the day,” she said.

Bells and Chimes to Track Movement

Beyond the cameras, the women allegedly used bells, chimes, and other monitoring devices to track the boys’ movements at night. Bells were strung across J.L.’s bed so they could hear when he moved. Chimes were suspended above doors so the women would be alerted if either boy entered or exited a room.

The Crown argued that the level of surveillance suggested a home environment built around strict control rather than care. Cooney maintained that the purpose was safety, though she conceded under questioning that the boys were restrained “at times” more frequently than she had previously stated.

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Claims of Self-Harm Rarely Substantiated by Others

A Gap Between Reported Behaviour and Outside Observations

Throughout the years leading up to L.L.’s death, Cooney and Hamber repeatedly told the Children’s Aid Society (CAS), teachers, doctors, and therapists that the boys displayed extreme self-harming and aggressive behaviours.

However, the Crown highlighted Tuesday that these behaviours were “rarely, if ever” observed by anyone outside the home.

This discrepancy formed a significant component of the Crown’s strategy. Assistant Crown attorney MacKenzie suggested that the women’s descriptions of uncontrollable behaviour might have been exaggerated or fabricated to justify the use of restraints.

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Text Messages Reveal Their Definition of “Bad Behaviour”

8,000 Pages of Messages Entered into Evidence

The Crown introduced excerpts from more than 8,000 pages of text messages exchanged between Cooney and Hamber. These messages, the prosecution said, revealed how the women perceived the boys’ behaviour and how often they referenced controlling or restricting them.

The texts, according to the Crown, included examples of what the women considered “bad behaviour,” which at times appeared inconsistent with the serious allegations of self-harm and violent tantrums they reported to authorities.

While the courtroom did not hear every detail of the messages on Tuesday, the reference to their volume signaled a broader strategy: to demonstrate a long-term pattern of controlling behaviour and to challenge the credibility of the women’s claims that restraint was used only as a last resort.

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A Case That Continues to Raise Difficult Questions

A System Under Scrutiny

The trial has raised ongoing concerns about the oversight of children in care, the responsibility of caregivers, and the mechanisms meant to protect vulnerable youth. The boys had been living with Cooney and Hamber since 2017, and the circumstances of L.L.’s death have led to broader questions about how warning signs may have been missed.

A Story Far From Over

The trial, now months underway, is expected to continue revealing difficult details in the weeks ahead. With the Crown aggressively challenging Cooney’s credibility, and with thousands of text messages and additional testimony yet to be fully explored, the court is still working to uncover what truly happened inside the Burlington home before L.L.’s death on December 21, 2022.