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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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RCMP Investigates Allegations of Corruption in Alberta Health Contracts

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has initiated a formal investigation into allegations of corruption and political interference within Alberta Health Services (AHS). The probe follows a complaint received in February, which raised concerns about procurement practices and potential conflicts of interest in multimillion-dollar health contracts.

The allegations were brought to light by Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former CEO of AHS, who filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the agency and the provincial government. Mentzelopoulos claims she was terminated after launching an internal investigation into inflated contract prices and questionable dealings with private surgical providers. She also alleged political pressure to approve contracts despite unresolved concerns.

The RCMP's investigation adds to ongoing reviews by Alberta's auditor general and a third-party inquiry led by former Manitoba judge Raymond E. Wyant. While the allegations remain unproven in court, the case has sparked widespread calls for transparency and accountability in the province's healthcare system.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange and Premier Danielle Smith, both named in the lawsuit, have denied any wrongdoing. The government has pledged full cooperation with the RCMP's investigation.


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