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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 Post Strike Threatens to Derail Critical Holiday Season for Retailers

 

As the holiday season approaches, a strike by over 55,000 Canada Post workers threatens to disrupt deliveries across the country. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated the strike after failed negotiations with the Crown corporation over wages, working conditions, and other issues.

The timing couldn't be worse for retailers, who rely heavily on timely deliveries during this peak shopping period. With mail and parcels not being processed or delivered, businesses are scrambling to find alternative shipping solutions. Rural and remote communities, which depend solely on Canada Post, are expected to be hit the hardest.

While the strike has caused significant concern, Canada Post has assured that government benefit cheques, such as Old Age Security and the Canada Child Benefit, will still be delivered during the strike. However, the overall impact on retailers and consumers remains uncertain, and the situation is being closely monitored as the holiday season kicks into full gear.

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