B.C.’s consumer price index (CPI) rose 1.0% in the 12 months to August, compared with a national rise of 1.2%, according to Statistics Canada data released this morning.
The report found that while B.C.’s monthly inflation between July and August was on par with the national average at 0.2, its prices aren’t increasing as fast annually as jurisdictions such:
- Whitehorse (2.4%);
- Iqualuit (2.2%);
- Quebec (2.0%);
- Manitoba and Yellowknife (1.9%);
- Saskatchewan (1.7%)
- Newfoundland and Labrador (1.6%);
- Nova Scotia (1.5%); and
- P.E.I (1.4%).
Statistics Canada found that B.C.’s price inflation over the past year was driven by price increases for gasoline, restaurant food and electricity.
Nationally, the statistics agency identified prices increases for passenger vehicles, gasoline, meat and restaurant food as the major factors increasing prices.
In August, Statistics Canada also identified that B.C.’s 12-month price increases were below the national average.
