Thanksgiving costs rise across Canada as tariffs hit canned goods

With Thanksgiving weekend upon us, Canadians are paying more this year for their festive spread — but not much more.

According to a new report by Dalhousie University, while the traditional turkey has dipped in price, researchers say sides like potatoes and especially canned goods are more costly because of tariffs.

“Personally I would just skip the turkey and just do pumpkin pie if it was just me,” said one woman grocery shopping.

It’s that time of year when elastic waistbands and turkey munching marathons collide.

Thanksgiving is a time for good eats and good company, but the rising cost of that food may change the traditional dinner menu.

“If you are not careful with the sides, it will cost you extra,” said Sylvain Charlebois, professor at Dalhousie University.

Researchers at Dalhousie University say there are deals on turkey, seeing prices as low as $0.99 a pound, the lowest they’ve seen in 15 years. But potatoes and canned goods, for example, are affected by tariffs, so this is where they say to be careful.

“A lot of people will buy pumpkin pie filling in a can, they’ll buy cranberries in a can, they’ll buy gravy in a can — so you want to be careful,” said Charlebois.

“I have seen some purchasing of just regular fresh pork,” said Edwin De Jonge, co-owner of Highland Packers.

Highland Packers say turkey sales have been steady but customers are branching out for new items on their Thanksgiving menu.

They do carry canned goods in their store, but De Jonge says fresh veggies and meat are what customers have their eyes set on here.

“We’re not huge on the canned side of things here. We do have a lot of fresh produce, so that’s selling well. That’s a big hit here, people know we have it,” said De Jonge.

Highland Packers hosts a Thanksgiving festival outside their store — fun for the kids and adults, a little break from the holiday prep.

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