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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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NDP and Bloc Québécois Push for Extended $250 Payouts to Retirees


The New Democratic Party (NDP) and Bloc Québécois are urging the Liberal government to extend the recently announced $250 payouts to include retirees. The payouts, part of a broader affordability package, are currently set to be distributed to working Canadians who earned $150,000 or less in 2023.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed concern that the current plan excludes some of the most vulnerable Canadians, including seniors and people living with disabilities. Singh emphasized the need for the government to address this oversight and ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their employment status, receive the support they need.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet echoed these sentiments, stating that his party would not support the proposal unless it is expanded to include seniors and retired Canadians. Blanchet highlighted the importance of providing financial relief to those on fixed incomes, who are often disproportionately affected by rising living costs.

The Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has yet to respond to these calls for an expanded benefit. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed that the government is in discussions with other parties about the measures.

The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact the financial well-being of many Canadians.



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