Survey results point to continued support for Canadian chicken farmers

Government support for the Canadian chicken sector is very popular heading into a federal election, according to a recent survey conducted by Abacus Data for Chicken Farmers of Canada.

The Canadian chicken sector operates under the system of supply management, meaning farmers carefully match production to meet Canadian demand. Supply management ensures that consumers are guaranteed a reliable supply of fresh, high-quality chicken raised with care, and 82% of Canadians support the system.

The 5,000 respondents from across the country also shared their voting intentions in the survey, and government support for supply management and the Canadian chicken sector remained strong across the political spectrum.

“Voters have indicated that it is important to them that the government support Canada’s chicken farmers,” said Benoît Fontaine, Chair of Chicken Farmers of Canada, “Canadians have also indicated they don’t want to see any more access granted to the Canadian chicken market in future trade agreements, nor mislabelled broiler chicken crossing the border. Their intentions are clear.”

The survey revealed that Canadians have farmers’ backs when it comes to policy support as well:

• 82% of Canadians want the government to crack down on mislabelled broiler chicken from the U.S.
  • Chicken meat is being fraudulently declared as spent fowl in order to bypass import controls, and the chicken sector and voters alike are concerned. This not only takes away jobs and income from Canada’s chicken farmers and processors, but also puts Canadian consumers at risk due to broken food chain traceability.
• 79% want the government to support chicken farm operations impacted by the pandemic
• 72% agree that the government should not concede any further access to the Canadian chicken market in future trade agreements and the same amount believe that support programs or mitigation measures should be available to farmers when access is granted.

The survey also outlined that party support for the chicken sector will bolster the vote strength, attract opposition voters, and bring in swing voters.

When a candidate knocks on your door this election, ask for more and remind them to think of Canada’s hardworking chicken farmers and the nutritious food they raise to the highest standards of animal care, food safety, and sustainability.