# Canadian poultry supply and price volatility

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-poultry-supply-and-price-volatility
> Updated: 2026-08-22T03:06:14.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Canada is experiencing rising chicken prices as domestic supply struggles to meet consumer demand. Although poultry production increased by 5.6% during the first four months of 2026 compared to the previous year, wholesale prices for whole birds and legs have reached record levels.

Multiple factors are contributing to this shortage, including avian influenza, chick-supply issues, mortality rates, extreme heat, labor constraints, and processing capacity. While the national supply management system uses import controls and quotas to balance the market, it has faced difficulties preventing scarcity when biological or environmental factors hinder farmers from meeting their allocations. 

Economists have suggested that the federal government might need to authorize temporary chicken imports to stabilize the market and prevent further price spikes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Canada faces rising chicken prices amid supply shortages

Rising chicken prices in Canada are driven by supply shortages caused by avian influenza, labor constraints, and chick-supply issues, despite a slight increase in overall production.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-faces-rising-chicken-prices-amid-supply-shortages

### 2026-08-13: Canadian poultry sector sees mixed results amid supply and demand shifts

Maple Leaf Foods saw poultry-driven EBITDA growth in Q2, while economists warn of potential sharp increases in Canadian chicken prices by September due to supply shortages.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canadian-poultry-sector-sees-mixed-results-amid-supply-and-demand-shifts

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Cite as: Canadian poultry supply and price volatility. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-poultry-supply-and-price-volatility