'No need to panic': Distribution expert responds to Premier Kenney's food supply 'crisis' concerns
While food supply issues have been an ongoing challenge for many Alberta grocery stores, the issue gained exposure when the premier shared photos of empty shelves.
Premier Jason Kenney posted photos of bare shelves in an undisclosed grocery store on Monday morning, saying he's worried that new border restrictions for truckers are exacerbating the problem.
Dozens of people responded by posting photos of Calgary and Edmonton grocery stores with full or nearly full shelves of food.
Sylvain Charlebois, a researcher and professor in food distribution and food policy at Dalhousie University, says the issue isn't new and some stores have seen empty shelves for months due to supply chain fatigue.
He says food supply worries are primarily a result of the rapid transmission rate of the Omicron variant, not vaccine mandates.
"The vaccine mandate is being pointed at as being a factor, but right now, it's just too early to tell if it is having an impact on our food access as a nation," said Charlebois in an interview with CTV Morning Live Calgary.
"In the end, consumers may have a huge impact on our supply chain if we see the panic buying that we saw in March of 2020. It could actually make matters worse."
Kenney added that he is in talks with several U.S. Governors to write a joint letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Joe Biden calling for an end to vaccine mandates for cross-border truckers.
Charlebois says 'weaponizing' pictures that show empty shelves will not help the current situation and impending price increases, not potential food shortages, should be of significant concern for Albertans.
"I'm in Florida right now, and to truck anything into Canada, the cost has doubled compared to ten days ago because there are fewer truckers available," explained Charlebois.
"Food inflation is going to be an issue this year for sure, and the vaccine mandate will likely be a contributing factor."
Canada imports significant quantities of food from the U.S., and food supply issues are a common occurrence in Alberta and across the country every winter.
Charlebois says people may encounter some empty shelves on occasion, but any void in the aisle will likely be short-lived.
"Chances are if you see an empty shelf, a few days later, you will go back to that grocery store, and you will find what you were looking for. There's no need to panic," said Charlebois.
"But I should mention, right now a lot of products entering stores aren't as fresh as they used to be. So if you buy a week or two of food, you may end up wasting a lot at home."
Charlebois encourages Albertans to limit big shopping trips in favour of multiple grocery store visits each week, as shopping for two or three days at a time will limit food waste and save money.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Murder charges filed against U.S. woman who crashed into building hosting birthday party, killing 2 kids
A Michigan woman was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder and other crimes after prosecutors say she drunkenly smashed her SUV into a boat club that was hosting a birthday party, killing two young siblings and injuring several other people.
Toronto's police chief clarifies initial statement on Umar Zameer acquittal, says he 'accepts' jury's finding
Toronto's Chief of Police has clarified a statement that he'd hoped for "a different outcome" made just after Umar's Zameer acquittal, telling reporters Tuesday he supports and accepts the jury's finding in the five-week trial.