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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 Enters Fourth Week: Negotiations Resume Amid Rising Tensions

The ongoing strike by Canada Post workers has now entered its fourth week, with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and Canada Post appearing closer to resuming negotiations. The union, representing over 55,000 striking workers, sent new counter-proposals to the mediator this week, hoping to restart talks. Canada Post has confirmed it is reviewing these proposals.

The strike, which began on November 15, 2024, has caused significant disruptions, with Purolator and UPS pausing shipments from some courier companies due to a surge in package volumes. The business community has been calling for government intervention, but so far, the federal government has not stepped in.

Key sticking points in the negotiations include wage increases and the expansion of weekend delivery services. The union is pushing for better wages and staffing solutions for the proposed expansion, while Canada Post is reviewing how to manage these changes.

As the strike continues, the impact on businesses and consumers grows, with some companies warning of potential losses during the holiday season. The hope is that the new counter-proposals will bring both parties back to the negotiating table and lead to a resolution soon.



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