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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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Hudson's Bay: A Canadian Legacy Faces Major Downsizing


Hudson’s Bay Company, a cornerstone of Canadian retail history, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Following a court decision, the company will retain only six stores across Ontario and Quebec, including flagship locations in downtown Toronto and Montreal. Meanwhile, liquidation sales for the remaining 74 stores will commence on March 24, 2025, with closures expected by June.

This decision comes after years of financial struggles and shifting consumer habits that have challenged traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. The retained stores represent a glimmer of hope for the 354-year-old institution, but the closures mark the end of an era for many communities across Canada.

As the liquidation process begins, shoppers will have a final opportunity to visit these iconic stores and purchase merchandise at discounted prices. The company’s future remains uncertain, but its impact on Canadian history and retail culture is undeniable.

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