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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...
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How Loblaw and Metro are coping with food price inflation and sustainability challenges

 


Two of Canada's largest grocery chains, Loblaw and Metro, have reported increased sales and profits for the third quarter of 2023, despite facing public criticism over their role in food price inflation. 

Loblaw posted a net income of $421 million, up 12% from the same period last year, while Metro saw its net earnings rise 9% to $191 million. Both companies attributed their strong performance to higher demand for food and pharmacy products amid the ongoing pandemic, as well as their investments in e-commerce and digital initiatives. 

However, they also acknowledged the challenges of rising costs and supply chain disruptions that have contributed to higher food prices for consumers. Loblaw and Metro have recently added a new title to their executive teams: Chief Sustainability Officer, who will be responsible for overseeing their environmental and social impact strategies.



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