CHARLEBOIS: Counter-tariffs largely contributed to inflation at the checkout

CHARLEBOIS: Counter-tariffs largely contributed to inflation at the checkout

Food inflation in Canada climbed again in August, reaching 3.4%, exactly as forecast. Grocery prices rose 3.5%, running a full 1.6 points higher than the general inflation rate. For every month of 2025 so far, food inflation has outpaced overall inflation. The grocery aisle has become a pressure point for households across the country, and it’s not just the market at work — it’s Ottawa.