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Canada’s Inflation Cools to 2.2% in October Amid Cheaper Gas and Groceries

  Motorists fuel up at an ONroute gas station near Maple, Ont., on April 1, 2025. Lower gas prices helped bring overall inflation down in October, Statistics Canada says. Canada’s annual inflation rate eased to 2.2% in October , down from 2.4% in September. The slowdown was largely driven by falling gasoline and grocery prices, offering some relief to consumers after months of persistent cost pressures. Key Drivers of the Decline Gasoline prices dropped 4.8% month-over-month , as retailers switched to cheaper winter fuel blends and global crude oil prices fell due to oversupply concerns. Grocery prices fell 0.6% in October , marking the largest monthly decline since September 2020. Annual grocery inflation cooled to 3.4% , down from 4% in September, with lower costs for processed foods and fresh vegetables offsetting higher prices for chicken. Excluding gasoline, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.6% year-over-year , showing that underlying inflationary pressures remain....

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Trudeau Faces Pressure to Expand $250 Rebate Beyond Working Canadians

 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remains firm on his plan to provide a $250 rebate to "hardworking Canadians," despite mounting pressure from opposition parties to extend the benefit to seniors and individuals unable to work. The rebate is part of a broader affordability package announced by the Liberals, which also includes a temporary cut to the federal sales tax on popular holiday items.

During a recent announcement on Prince Edward Island, Trudeau was questioned about the possibility of expanding the rebate to non-working seniors and people with disabilities. He reiterated that the measure is intended to support working Canadians who need extra assistance, while also mentioning that the government is exploring other ways to help those who do not qualify for the rebate.

The opposition, including the NDP and Bloc Québécois, has been vocal in their demands for a more inclusive approach. They argue that the rebate should also benefit seniors and people with disabilities, who are equally in need of financial support. However, Trudeau has not introduced legislation to enact the rebate, and it remains uncertain whether he will secure the necessary support from the opposition to pass it.

The GST holiday bill, which temporarily eliminates the federal sales tax on a range of items, passed in the House of Commons with the help of the NDP and is awaiting approval from the Senate. This measure is expected to provide some relief to Canadians during the holiday season, but the debate over the rebate's scope continues to be a contentious issue.

As the government navigates these challenges, Trudeau's stance on the rebate underscores his commitment to recognizing the efforts of working Canadians, while also highlighting the ongoing discussions about how best to support all citizens in need.

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