Prices declined by 0.1% in the 12 months leading to August in British Columbia – the only province where prices dropped during that period – according to Statistics Canada data released September 20.
Nationally, prices edged up by 1.1%, led by increases in the costs of transportation (up 1.3%) and shelter (up 1.1%).
Manitoba had the biggest year-over-year gain for the third consecutive month, with an increase of 2.7%.
Health and personal care was the only category to see a decline in prices across the country, with a 1.4% dip year-over-year. This was led by a decrease in the price of prescription medicines, which cost 4.2% less in August compared with last year.
Prices increased in B.C. by 0.1% in August compared with one month prior, while nationally prices remained steady. Prince Edward Island saw the biggest jump in prices between July and August with a gain of 0.4%.
