B.C. Inflation rate now third-highest in Canada
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VICTORIA — The national inflation rate dipped slightly in April to 2.2 per cent — down one-tenth of a point — but the rate in B-C moved in the opposite direction, edging up to 2.7 per cent last month from its 2.6 per cent setting in March. It’s the third highest rate in Canada.
Statistics Canada says cheaper prices for natural gas and digital equipment offset higher gasoline, restaurant and airfare costs, but it says inflation remains over the two per cent midpoint considered ideal by the Bank of Canada.
The central bank predicts inflation will remain above two per cent for the rest of the year and April’s modest decrease is not expected to affect interest rates.
In Vancouver, the cost of living didn’t budge last month — staying put at 3.2 per cent, while Victoria’s rate mirrored provincial stats — nudging up one basis point to an even two per cent from its 1.9 per cent setting in March.
