Consumer prices in British Columbia dropped 0.5% in the 12 months leading to June, making it the only province to see a decrease over that period, according to Statistics Canada data released this morning.
The price decline in B.C. was led by decreases in prices for restaurant food purchases and homeowners’ replacement cost.
Nationwide, prices increased 1.2% year-over-year, driven by hikes in the costs of transportation, shelter and food.
The provinces where prices increased the most were:
- Manitoba (up 2.7%);
- Alberta (up 2.3%); and
- Prince Edward Island (up 2.2%).
Prices in B.C. dipped 0.3% from May to June, while across Canada the Consumer Price Index remained the same.
