Inflation in Canada rose to 2.4% this September, as reported by Statistics Canada. Excluding fuel, the speed sits at 2.6%. Unstable costs amongst all necessities, from groceries to shelter, are ramping up the cost-of-living disaster for all Canadians.
Grocery costs have been on the rise for the reason that pandemic and can’t be attributed to tariffs. The Shopper Value Index (CPI) reveals grocery inflation is roughly 4% year-over-year, in comparison with an general inflation fee of two.4 %. The 2025 Canada’s Meals Value Report estimated {that a} household of 4 would spend C$16,833 on meals all through 2025, a rise of C$802, however costs have surpassed expectations.
Grocery costs surpassed general CPI throughout COVID when inflation averaged 2.8%. That was merely the start of rising meals costs, which rose to three.5% YoY by 2021. International vitality value shocks because of the Russian-Ukrainian battle, coupled with agricultural volatility, brought about costs to achieve all-time highs in 2022 when meals inflation reached 9.8%. With no aid in sight, grocery costs peaked in early 2023 above 10%, marking a four-decade excessive. Costs stabilized to an extent this 12 months however proceed to outpace the general fee of inflation.
Shelter is the opposite fundamental element of the cost-of-living disaster in Canada. During the last 5 years, the shelter element of CPI superior from round 150 to about 188 index factors, or a cumulative enhance of roughly 25% for the reason that pandemic. The Financial institution of Canada decreased charges to close zero early within the pandemic, which brought about a surge in dwelling purchases. Nationwide shelter CPI climbed 2% yearly, however dwelling costs soared 20% from mid-2020 to the top of 2021 as the price of borrowing and stock was low. Hire freezes amongst provinces brought about the shelter element of inflation to stay muted by way of 2021.
The central financial institution pivoted from QE in 2022 and led to an unprecedented rise in mortgage prices. Shelter inflation soared above 6%, a stage not seen for the reason that early ‘80s. Actual property costs waned later within the 12 months however CPI shelter prices rose because of rising mortgages. Shelter inflation peaked to 7% YoY in mid-2023, driving nearly all of the broader CPI, whereas leases averaged round 9%. Mortgage curiosity prices spiked by over 28% YoY, based on StatCan information.
Shelter aid was temporary in 2024 for homeowners, however leases soared above 9% into August. The typical nationwide rental value hit C$2,200 by the top of the 12 months, or 30% larger than pre-pandemic ranges. The central financial institution maintained the 5% coverage fee and curiosity prices plateaued. Now in 2025, shelter inflation nonetheless stays nicely above general inflation. CPI shelter hit 188 in August, 2.6% up YoY, whereas hire decreased from 9% to five%. Coverage cuts on the BoC led to a median mortgage fee at round 4.6%. Nonetheless, shelter prices proceed to rise sooner than each CPI element apart from meals lately.
Leases are one-third larger than pre-pandemic ranges and range broadly primarily based on province. Grocery costs haven’t meaningfully waned for the reason that pandemic, however these prices have turn into the brand new norm. Governments can’t prince away inflation by way of fee coverage. Fiscal deficits and forex debasement have to be addressed. If authorities spending continues, debt ranges rise, and the central financial institution turns into successfully caught. Central banks have restricted management over inflation since fiscal and financial coverage have turn into polar magnets.
