British Columbia was the only province to see consumer prices drop in the 12 months to February, Statistics Canada announced March 21.
B.C.'s Consumer Price Index fell 0.3% between February 2013 and February 2014. This is due in part to the removal of the HST in April 2013, which led to some products and services no longer being subject to tax or taxed at only 5% PST instead of 12% before the change.
Across Canada, inflation was 1.1% over the same period, following growth of 1.5% in January. The biggest increase was seen in alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, which saw prices increase by 2.5%, followed by shelter costs, up 2.2%. Three categories saw prices fall over the year: gasoline (down 1.3%), clothing and footwear (down 0.4%) and health and personal care (down 0.2%).
The biggest jump in prices was seen in Prince Edward Island, where prices grew 2.7%, followed by Alberta (up 2.3%).
Compared with one month prior, prices in B.C. increased 0.8%, which is in line with the national average over the same period. Ontario and Saskatchewan saw larger increases (both up 1.1%).
No provinces saw prices fall between January and February.
