By the Numbers: Food inflation hitting Canadian pocketbooks

Toronto – November 16, 2021 – According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the price of food has been on a consistent rise over the past six months, with price increases across nearly every aisle in the grocery store.

One kilogram of round steak will cost Canadians nearly $1.50 more this month than in May, and a stick of butter is running 13 cents more over the same period.

The price of chicken, eggs, bacon, apples, and bananas have all seen increases, but the largest hit to the wallet is probably outside the store at the gas pump. Canadians are now paying nearly 8 cents more for a litre of gas this fall since last spring.

Some important staples produced closer to home like carrots, potatoes, and onions have seen modest price decreases, anywhere from 40 cents to 4 cents per kilogram.

With the cost of living on the rise, it is imperative that take-home incomes keep pace, and securing a union contract is an important way to ensure those gains are achieved.