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Canada's Inflation Jumps to 2.4% in March — And Your Grocery and Gas Bills Show It

Canada's annual inflation rate climbed to 2.4% in March 2026 , up sharply from 1.8% in February, according to Statistics Canada data released Monday. The jump was driven almost entirely by soaring energy prices tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict and its disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz — and Canadians felt it directly at the gas pump and grocery store. Headline CPI (March) 2.4% ▲ Up from 1.8% in February Gasoline (monthly) +21.2% Largest monthly jump on record Grocery prices (year/year) +4.4% Up from 4.1% in February Core CPI (ex-gas) 2.2% Milder than expected Gas was the main culprit Gasoline prices surged a record 21.2% month over month in March — the largest single-month jump ever recorded in Canada — as the U.S.-Iran conflict choked off roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. On a year-...

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Canada’s Carbon Price Set to Rise on April 1: What You Need to Know

Canada’s carbon price is poised to increase on April 1, despite some provincial leaders expressing concerns about affordability. Let’s delve into the details:

The impending carbon price hike is not unexpected. It’s a fundamental policy of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority Liberal government. By putting a price on pollution, the aim is to encourage people to use fewer fossil fuels, ultimately reducing emissions from the economy. Annual increases are part of the government’s overall pricing scheme, with plans extending until at least 2030.

For most Canadians, the impact of the April 1 increase will be most noticeable at the gas station and on energy bills. Here’s how it breaks down:

  • Gasoline: The carbon tax will add 17 cents per liter.
  • Diesel: Expect an additional 21 cents per liter.
  • Natural Gas: The increase amounts to 15 cents per cubic meter.

Keep in mind that British Columbia, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories have their own carbon pricing systems in place, while other provinces and territories fall under the federal backstop plan.

While the carbon price does play a role in household affordability, it’s essential to recognize that its effects are relatively small compared to global oil prices and corporate profitability. Canadians may also experience indirect effects, such as transportation costs influencing food prices.

In summary, Canada’s commitment to tackling climate change involves incremental carbon price increases, aiming for a greener and more sustainable future.

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