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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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Canadian Seniors to Receive Increased Old Age Benefits

 

Canadian seniors are set to receive a boost in their Old Age Security (OAS) benefits starting this July. The increase, which is part of a scheduled adjustment to account for inflation, will see benefits rise by 2.8% compared to the previous year.

For seniors aged 65 to 74, the maximum monthly OAS payment will now be up to $718.33. Those aged 75 and older will receive a maximum monthly payment of $790.16. These adjustments are crucial as retirement becomes increasingly unaffordable for many Canadians.

In addition to the OAS pension, eligible seniors and their partners may also qualify for extra benefits such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor. For single, widowed, or divorced Canadians aged 65 or older with an annual net income of less than $21,768, the maximum GIS payment per month is set at $1,072.93.

These increases aim to provide better financial support to seniors, ensuring they can maintain a decent standard of living during their retirement years.


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