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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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Canada Adds Fewer Jobs Than Expected in October; Unemployment Rate Holds Steady

 

Canada’s job market showed signs of slowing down in October, as the country added fewer jobs than anticipated. According to Statistics Canada, the national unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.5%.

The economy saw a modest increase of 15,000 jobs last month, falling short of economists’ expectations. This modest gain reflects ongoing challenges in the labor market, influenced by high interest rates and economic uncertainties.

Despite the job additions, the unemployment rate held steady, indicating that the labor market is still grappling with balancing job creation and economic pressures. The Bank of Canada has been closely monitoring these trends, especially as it aims to foster economic growth following recent interest rate cuts.

As the country navigates these economic conditions, the focus remains on creating sustainable employment opportunities and supporting workforce stability.


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