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Canada’s annual inflation falls to 3.8% in September, grocery prices rise more slowly

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says the annual inflation rate slowed to 3.8 per cent in September as prices year-over-year rose more slowly across the economy.

The latest data comes after the annual rate flared up during the summer, reaching four per cent in August.

The report shows consumers paid significantly less for airfare compared with a year ago, while prices for durable goods rose more slowly.

Statistics Canada says grocery prices continue to rise rapidly, but the pace of growth fell to 5.8 per cent in September, down from 6.9 per cent in August.

Meanwhile, higher gasoline prices put upward pressure on inflation, as prices were 7.5 per cent higher than they were in September 2022.

The latest data comes a week ahead of the Bank of Canada’s next interest rate announcement and updated forecast for inflation.

Here’s what happened in the provinces (previous month in brackets):

• Newfoundland and Labrador: 4.1 per cent (3.8)

• Prince Edward Island: 2.8 per cent (3.5)

• Nova Scotia: 4.8 per cent (4.7)

• New Brunswick: 4.0 per cent (3.5)

• Quebec: 4.8 per cent (4.6)

• Ontario: 3.6 per cent (3.8)

• Manitoba: 2.6 per cent (3.2)

• Saskatchewan: 3.5 per cent (4.4)

• Alberta: 3.7 per cent (4.3)

• British Columbia: 3.3 per cent (3.8)

News from © Canadian Press Enterprises Inc., 2021