With summer weather finally settling in, Canadians are returning to a familiar ritual — firing up the barbecue. But as they approach the meat counter in search of steaks and burgers, many are encountering a far less familiar reality: Shockingly high prices. This year, the meat aisle has become a case study in supply-side economics and market dysfunction.
Since January, according to Statistics Canada, beef prices have surged at an alarming pace. Striploin is up 34.2%, top sirloin 33.7%, and rib cuts nearly 12%. Pork rib cuts and chicken breasts have each risen 5.9%, and even meatless burger patties are 6.8% more expensive. While all proteins in the so-called “meat trifecta” have climbed, beef leads the charge — by a wide margin.
