Commentary
Canadians often wonder why food costs so much. Many economists are quick to blame U.S. President Donald Trump, climate change, global supply chains, exchange rates or other external forces. These are convenient explanations and, in some cases, legitimate ones. But while these factors matter, many of the reasons behind Canada’s persistent food affordability problem are far less visible. Some are buried deep within regulatory and administrative processes that rarely attract public attention.
The Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University recently received privileged information regarding several cases involving delays in the importation of meat products into Canada. While the details remain confidential, the cases reveal a broader issue that deserves scrutiny….