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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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Hogue Inquiry Reveals 'Problematic' Conduct Among Parliamentarians

 

The Hogue inquiry has concluded that while some parliamentarians exhibited "problematic" conduct, none were found to have committed treason. The inquiry, led by Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue, was established to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Canadian elections. The final report, released today, provides recommendations on how federal agencies can better protect against such meddling.

The inquiry's findings come amid a federal Liberal leadership race and the possibility of a national election in the near future. The report highlights the need for improved information sharing among federal agencies and better protection for vulnerable communities from transnational repression.

In an interim report issued last May, Hogue stated that interference by foreign entities did not affect the overall results of the last two general elections. However, the final report acknowledges that some parliamentarians were "semi-witting or witting" participants in foreign interference efforts.

The inquiry's recommendations aim to bolster election integrity and ensure that Canadian democratic processes remain robust and secure. Commissioner Hogue emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing these issues, while also noting that some information cannot be disclosed publicly due to national security concerns.

The release of the Hogue inquiry's final report marks a significant step in addressing foreign interference in Canadian politics and safeguarding the nation's democratic institutions.


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