Canada egg prices are rising but we’re avoiding U.S.-style price spikes
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Egg prices in the United States are soaring, with some states now seeing a dozen eggs sell for more than $11—among the highest prices ever recorded. The ongoing avian flu outbreak has forced producers to cull more than 10 per cent of the country’s laying hen flock in recent months. With supplies dwindling, consumers are scrambling—no pun intended—to find affordable eggs, making the situation increasingly dire.
In Canada, the landscape is different but still concerning. Over the past 12 months, egg prices have risen by an average of 11 to 12 per cent nationwide. In many provinces, a dozen Grade A large eggs now cost more than $5, with some regions seeing increases of up to 10 per cent since January.
While avian flu is also a concern here, its impact has been more contained. Canada’s Food Price Report 2025 had already forecast higher prices for both chicken and eggs, with avian flu cited as a key factor.
 Egg prices are surging, but Canada’s system is stopping a full-blown crisis. |
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British Columbia is the only province currently facing supply shortages. Canada has culled about 14.5 million chickens during this avian flu cycle, more than 80 per cent of them in B.C. Ontario ranks a distant second, though the outbreak there appears to be under control for now. Unlike the U.S., where market volatility leads to extreme price swings, Canada’s egg market benefits from structural differences that have helped shield consumers from the worst of the crisis.
One key factor is geography. Canada’s vast landmass allows for greater dispersion of poultry farms, making it harder for the virus to spread quickly. Another is supply management, the quota-based system that regulates production. While often criticized for inflating prices, it has helped stabilize supply and reduce extreme fluctuations.
Unlike the U.S., where market forces dictate production, Canada’s collaborative framework enables swift action when outbreaks occur. Industry stakeholders share information quickly, limiting biosecurity risks and preventing shortages from spiralling out of control.
For example, Alberta is currently supplying eggs to B.C. to offset shortages, demonstrating the flexibility of Canada’s system, which is notably more adaptable than other supply-managed sectors such as dairy. While egg prices in Canada will continue rising, they are unlikely to reach the staggering levels seen in the U.S. American consumers have endured increases of 60, 80 or even 100 per cent. In contrast, Canada is expected to see a more moderate six per cent increase nationally this year. Given its supply challenges, British Columbia could see increases closer to 15 per cent.
Despite these pressures, eggs remain one of the most affordable and efficient sources of animal protein. In the U.S., some restaurant chains, such as Waffle Warehouse, have introduced egg surcharges to offset rising costs. No such reports have emerged in Canada yet. However, with the GST holiday ending this week, some restaurants may quietly adjust menu prices. When fiscal policies shift in ways that subtly increase consumer costs, the impact of inflation extends beyond the grocery store.
Egg prices are rising on both sides of the border, but Canada’s supply management system, industry coordination and geographic advantages have helped limit the damage. While affordability remains a concern, Canada’s approach offers a buffer against extreme price shocks—for now.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Canadian professor and researcher in food distribution and policy. He is senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast. He is frequently cited in the media for his insights on food prices, agricultural trends, and the global food supply chain.
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