Consumer prices in July increased the most in B.C. out of the four largest provinces in the country, according to Statistics Canada data released Friday morning.
Inflation in B.C. rose 1.1% in July, higher than Ontario’s increase of 0.9% and a 0.5% increase in Alberta. Prices in Quebec fell 0.3%.
StatsCan cited changes in consumption taxes, especially the implementation of the HST in B.C. and Ontario as contributing factors to price increases in both provinces. In B.C., the price of electricity rose 36.7% and the prices for food purchased from restaurants increased 7.5%. Gas prices and homeowner replacement costs also increased.
Year-over-year, Ontario had the highest increases in consumer prices, rising 2.9% for the 12-month period ending July 2010. B.C.’s price increase was second at 2%. Every province reported price increases except Manitoba, which saw prices fall 0.3% for the year.