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Canada's Inflation Jumps to 2.4% in March — And Your Grocery and Gas Bills Show It

Canada's annual inflation rate climbed to 2.4% in March 2026 , up sharply from 1.8% in February, according to Statistics Canada data released Monday. The jump was driven almost entirely by soaring energy prices tied to the U.S.-Iran conflict and its disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz — and Canadians felt it directly at the gas pump and grocery store. Headline CPI (March) 2.4% ▲ Up from 1.8% in February Gasoline (monthly) +21.2% Largest monthly jump on record Grocery prices (year/year) +4.4% Up from 4.1% in February Core CPI (ex-gas) 2.2% Milder than expected Gas was the main culprit Gasoline prices surged a record 21.2% month over month in March — the largest single-month jump ever recorded in Canada — as the U.S.-Iran conflict choked off roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. On a year-...

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Enhanced Tracking of Foreign Students Urged by Canadian Criminologist

In a recent statement, Kelly Sundberg, a criminologist and professor at Mount Royal University, emphasized the need for Canada to improve its tracking of foreign students. Sundberg, who has experience in inland immigration enforcement for the Canada Border Services Agency, highlighted the vulnerabilities in the current system that allow for potential exploitation by transnational criminals.

The call for better tracking comes in the wake of an investigation by Indian law enforcement agencies into a scheme involving Canadian colleges and the illegal transportation of international students across the Canada-U.S. border. The investigation revealed evidence of human trafficking linked to the tragic deaths of an Indian family near the Manitoba-Minnesota border in January 2022.

Sundberg suggested that collecting biometric data, such as fingerprints and photos, from non-citizens entering Canada and tying this information to their immigration documents could help address these issues. He also stressed the importance of having a system in place to confirm the departure of temporary residents, including international students.

The federal government and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have yet to comment on the allegations, which have not been proven in court. However, Sundberg's recommendations have sparked a broader discussion on the need for reforms in Canada's immigration system, especially as the country faces increasing scrutiny over illegal border crossings and asylum claims.

As Canada continues to make significant changes to its immigration policies, including cutbacks on the number of student visas issued, the focus on enhancing tracking mechanisms for foreign students remains a critical priority.




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