Graphic: NorthScope News. An editorial illustration or data graphic, not a photograph of the event.
Event or reference date: Data released September 14, 2026; reference month August 2026
Canada’s consumer price index rose 3.0% in August from a year earlier, matching July’s annual increase, according to Statistics Canada’s September 14 release.
Transportation prices increased 7.5% year over year. Grocery prices were up 2.8%, while shelter rose 1.5%. These are annual changes, rather than increases during August alone.
The headline conceals different pressures
Slower annual gasoline-price growth pulled down on the overall rate. Excluding gasoline, inflation increased to 2.4% from 2.2% in July.
Groceries also illustrate why slower inflation need not feel like relief: Statistics Canada says store-bought food prices were 29.0% higher than in August 2021. A slower pace of growth still leaves the price level elevated.
Why your household’s experience may differ
The national index measures an overall basket. A household’s mix of rent, transport, food and other expenses can produce a different experience. Statistics Canada’s Personal Inflation Calculator lets users enter spending amounts to estimate that difference.
The agency’s prices portal links to that calculator and other tools for exploring the data. Compare equivalent periods when using them: an annual rate and a one-month change answer different questions.
Sources and reporting method
Statistics Canada: August 2026 CPI, released September 14
Statistics Canada: prices portal and Personal Inflation Calculator
Prepared with AI assistance from the public documents linked above. This article contains no on-scene reporting or independent interviews.
