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Canada’s Inflation Cools to 2.2% in October Amid Cheaper Gas and Groceries

  Motorists fuel up at an ONroute gas station near Maple, Ont., on April 1, 2025. Lower gas prices helped bring overall inflation down in October, Statistics Canada says. Canada’s annual inflation rate eased to 2.2% in October , down from 2.4% in September. The slowdown was largely driven by falling gasoline and grocery prices, offering some relief to consumers after months of persistent cost pressures. Key Drivers of the Decline Gasoline prices dropped 4.8% month-over-month , as retailers switched to cheaper winter fuel blends and global crude oil prices fell due to oversupply concerns. Grocery prices fell 0.6% in October , marking the largest monthly decline since September 2020. Annual grocery inflation cooled to 3.4% , down from 4% in September, with lower costs for processed foods and fresh vegetables offsetting higher prices for chicken. Excluding gasoline, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.6% year-over-year , showing that underlying inflationary pressures remain....

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Canada Post Strike Threatens Vital Donations for Local Charities


 

As the holiday season approaches, local charities are facing a significant challenge due to the ongoing Canada Post strike. This disruption is expected to lead to a sharp decline in mail-in donations, which are crucial for many non-profit organizations during this time of year.

In the Waterloo region, charities like the United Way and the Salvation Army rely heavily on mail-in donations, especially during November and December. Scott Hamilton from United Way Waterloo Region mentioned that half of their donations come through the mail during these months. Similarly, the Salvation Army received about $60,000 through mail-in donations last Christmas.

The strike has already impacted organizations like Food4Kids Waterloo Region, which reported a $10,000 shortfall due to the postal disruptions. Many charities are urging donors to consider alternative methods of giving, such as online donations, phone pledges, or in-person contributions.

To mitigate the impact, some organizations are exploring options like hand-delivering newsletters and donation requests to potential donors. Despite these efforts, the strike poses a significant threat to the fundraising efforts of many local charities, potentially affecting their ability to support those in need during the holiday season.

If you usually donate by mail, consider switching to online or other methods to ensure your contributions reach these vital organizations.


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