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quebec inflation

Food prices in Canada are rising faster than just about any other sector and the federal government is shopping around for explanations and solutions. The Competition Bureau announced on Monday that it's launching an investigation into the most effective ways to boost grocery store competition and combat unsavoury food costs.

"Competition benefits all Canadians. Greater competition means lower prices, more choice and better convenience for consumers," the bureau wrote in a release.

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Canadian groceries are getting more expensive, and Quebecers are feeling the pinch. But just how hard is it to feed a family right now, and how much are Quebecers spending on their food? A recent study released by a community organization, the Montreal Diet Dispensary, has a few answers.

The study relies on a tool called the Nutritious and Affordable Food Basket (NAFB), which estimates the minimum price of a diet that meets basic nutritional guidelines. Since last year, the NAFB grew in cost by 15%.

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In the run-up to Quebec's October 3rd election, the CAQ promised voters a one-time payment of anywhere between $400 and $600 "to counter inflation," if re-elected. Now that the party has won a majority government and François Legault is poised to continue as premier, can residents still expect a lump sum?

The answer is yes, according to CAQ spokesperson Ewan Sauves. "We will honour all of our promises," he told MTL Blog by email.

That means nearly 6.4 million Quebecers would receive a several hundred dollar payment before the end of the year.

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After sending $600 to every adult resident who makes $100,000 or less earlier this year, the CAQ is promising another round of payments — but only if it stays in power after the Quebec election in October.

As with the first payments, the party says the measure would counter the effects of inflation on household finances.

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Much like the rest of the world, Canada is seeing some of its highest inflation rates in over three decades.

Well, Quebec's economy is seeing similar patterns as the province's inflation rate increased to a dismal 7.5% in May 2022, which is an unwelcome jump from April's 6.8%.

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The CAQ government will send another cheque to Quebecers to help them deal with rising costs — if it survives the upcoming provincial election. Premier François Legault made the commitment before the National Assembly on Tuesday, May 31.

"By the end of 2022, we will send a new cheque, obviously, if we are elected," he said during an exchange with Liberal Party (PLQ) Leader Dominique Anglade. The election is on October 3.

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It comes as no surprise that the cost of living has increased exponentially over the last few years, particularly in tie to Canada's rise in inflation, which is the highest it's been in over three decades.

Well, Quebec is seeing similar patterns as the province's inflation rate increased to a whopping 6.8% in April 2022.

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So the Quebec government is sending $500 to millions of residents. The goal is to help offset the effects of record inflation. But reactions are mixed.

More than a few groups are questioning whether cheques are the best way to help households, especially low-income Quebecers, deal with rising prices in the long term. Opposition parties were quick to criticize the governing CAQ party for announcing the measure just months ahead of the next provincial election.

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UPDATE: Quebec will give $500 to every adult who makes $100,000/year or less. Get the details here.

Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard is set to present the province's next budget on March 22. François Legault has repeatedly suggested that it will include payments to Quebecers to offset the effects of inflation.

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Amid rising costs of gas and food and criticism for a lack of commitments to address the situation, Premier François Legault on Tuesday promised to "put money back in your wallets" with the next provincial budget, which his government is presenting on March 22.

"I know that inflation is worrying you a lot," he said in a video posted to social media. "But I want to reassure you, there's a budget coming in one week [...] and we're going to help you."

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We don't know about you, but for us it feels like everything got more expensive overnight. Groceries have become more costly and less fresh, inspiring a new name for the phenomenon: shelflation. Everything from rent to electricity has risen to dizzying heights along with inflation. And gas... let's not even go there.

"For months, Quebecers have had to tighten their belts to make ends meet," said leader of the opposition and Parti libéral du Québec (PLQ) head Dominique Anglade. "Mothers have to leave fruits and vegetables on the shelves because they can no longer afford them. This situation is untenable, but François Legault has instead chosen to wait and let Quebecers suffer the consequences of the rising cost of living."

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The ongoing pandemic has led many Canadians to experience financial stress. With the country's inflation rate at its highest since 1991 and food prices on the climb, it's no surprise that 57% of Canadians are struggling to feed their household, a study from the Angus Reid Institute (ARI) says.

That figure is up from 36% in 2019, showcasing the staggering effect that the increase in the cost of living and pandemic-related economic turmoil has had on Canadians. However, the study, conducted via an online survey that reached 5,002 Canadians between January 7 and 12, suggests that Quebecers aren't nearly as stressed about food security and debt as residents of other surveyed provinces.

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