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Thanksgiving Dinner Costs 10% More. So Why Is Grocery Inflation Only 2.8%?

  Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and if you're still planning the grocery run, the numbers are not in your favour. Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab prices a turkey dinner for four at $35.72 this year, up 10% from $32.48 in 2025. Here's the catch: Statistics Canada says grocery prices rose just 2.8% in August, and that was the first time in more than two years that food inflation came in below the overall rate (3.0%). So why does the holiday table feel so much pricier than the grocery aisle overall? The turkey is doing most of the damage Dalhousie's basket covers a 7-lb whole turkey plus potatoes, carrots, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, cranberries, stuffing and gravy. Here's how the pieces moved: Item (dinner for four) 2025 2026 Change Turkey dinner, total $32.48 $35.72 +10.0% The turkey itself (7 lb) $10.43 $12.53 +20.1% Everything else (sides, pie) $22.05 $23.19 +5.2% Ham dinner, total $34.87 $36.37 +4.3% Source: Dalhousie Agri-Food Analytics Lab (totals, t...
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Bankruptcies Surge in Canada Amid Economic Challenges

 

In a year marked by financial turbulence, business insolvencies in Canada have reached unprecedented levels. According to data from the federal Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, 2023 witnessed the highest number of business insolvencies in 36 years of recorded history. The surge was particularly pronounced, with filings rising 35% in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter and more than doubling compared to the same period a year ago.

Key Points:

  1. Record High: The total number of businesses filing for insolvency was the highest in 13 years.
  2. Mainly Bankruptcies: The rise was primarily driven by bankruptcies rather than renegotiations of terms.
  3. Hardest-Hit Sectors: Accommodation and food services, retail, and construction experienced the most significant impact.
  4. Financial Challenges: Businesses grappled with rising input costs, wage expenses, and debt servicing costs throughout the pandemic.
  5. Debt Burden: Debt taken on during the pandemic has left some Canadian businesses unviable or in need of debt restructuring.
  6. Government Loans: Business owners who couldn’t repay government pandemic loans (such as CEBA) by the January 19 deadline now face interest charges and monthly payments.

Economic Outlook:

  • Interest Rate Pressure: The additional costs of servicing debts due to higher interest rates may strain businesses already on a precarious edge.
  • Consumer Spending Decline: The weakening economy has also impacted consumer spending, further adding pressure to businesses’ bottom line.
  • Room for Recovery: Some businesses may struggle to manage increased monthly bills, especially if sales remain challenging.

As the Canadian economy navigates these challenges, businesses face a critical juncture. The road to recovery will require resilience, adaptability, and strategic financial management.


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