Consumer prices rose 1.5% nationally in the 12 months to June, following a 1.2% gain in May, according to Statistics Canada. B.C also recorded a 1.5% increase in consumer prices.
The increase in the Consumer Price Index was led by higher prices for the purchase of passenger vehicles and, to a lesser extent, for electricity.
Across the country, prices for the purchase of passenger vehicles increased 3.9% year over year in June, after rising 1.7% the previous month. The June increase was the result of less discounting by manufacturers compared with June 2011.
The cost of electricity rose 5.9% year over year in June, mostly as a result of increases in B.C., Ontario and Alberta.
Despite the increase in electricity prices, the energy index declined 0.8% in the 12 months to June, following a 1.6% decrease in May.
Nationally, gasoline prices fell 1.8% after declining 2.3% in May. Prices for natural gas also declined in the 12 months to June, although at a slower rate than in the previous month.
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