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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 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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