Sylvain Charlebois: Beef Is Becoming a Luxury Item in Canada

Beef prices have surged due to shrinking cattle herds, high transportation costs, and potential market collusion

A customer shops for fresh meat at a grocery store in Mississauga, Ont., on Dec. 16, 2024. The Canadian Press/Chris Young

Commentary

With summer weather settling in, Canadians are returning to a familiar ritual—firing up the barbecue. But as they approach the meat counter, many are faced with shockingly high prices. This year, the meat aisle has become a case study in supply-side economics and market dysfunction, leaving consumers to wonder how this all came to be.