More than five years ago, the bread-price-fixing scandal became news when a $1 billion lawsuit was launched. The story became news again last week when, according to the CBC, “Canada Bread agreed to pay at least $50 million for its role in fixing the price of bread for years.”
What some might not know is that this story started in Elliot Lake.
When ElliotLakeToday contacted local resident, Irene Breckon, to ask how she became involved, she had just been interviewed by Toronto’s 1010 radio and by Zoom for the CBC. She quickly gave credit for the start of it to someone else.
"You know, it’s interesting because it was a lady I met about ten or fifteen years ago in Elliot Lake when I was involved with the anti-poverty coalition. She gave my name to this lawyer in Toronto and he contacted me.” Breckon added, “It’s not just the bread issue. Many other issues have been discussed over the years.”
Breckon is known in the community for her tax-preparation work, often for people of low income.
“My passion is to do everything I can to help people. Right now, I am working on poverty tax relief for seniors- the Guaranteed Income Supplement.”
ElliotLakeToday asked Breckon how things have changed since the bread-price-fixing story began and what she sees now when she goes to the grocery store.
“It’s not right. What is going on? People cannot afford food these days," she said. "Things have gotten so much worse since the beginning of the [bread price-fixing lawsuit]. I go to the store, and I think ‘Oh, my God! This is ridiculous!’ I feel really bad for people with children to feed.”
Breckon has a heart for people in difficult financial circumstances. It is a heart refined from her own difficult years.
“For 27 years we worked [on contract] for Canada Post. Canada Post! And we lived in poverty. It took 24 years for the laws to change so we could become part of the union.”
She also talked about Elliot Lake’s affordability for seniors.
“It’s certainly better than other places but unfortunately the cost of renting a home has increased greatly in the last few years. It’s not easy anymore for a lot of people and I see that. I know how much money they make.”
“I’ve done taxes for businesses and the small businesses, they don’t make much money. When you work in Elliot Lake, you’re not going to get rich. Well, maybe the bigger businesses do, but there are a lot of small businesses that are just struggling.”
The difficulties aside, Breckon loves the Elliot Lake she has called it home for 46 years.
“I told my family, ‘I’m never moving again. I’m staying [in Elliot Lake] for the rest of my life.’
“I turned 77 on the weekend so I’m an old lady! But I am amazed. I am frankly amazed at how much I can still do in my seventies! You know, just because you’re old doesn’t mean you’re useless. I am totally amazed at what is happening.”
“I told the lawyer, I hope I’m around when this lawsuit gets settled because I want to make sure everybody gets to take advantage of it.”
Irene Breckon continues to live in Elliot Lake and continues to help others.