With food inflation rising, Conservatives demand Liberal action on cost of living

With food inflation increasing in September, the Conservatives are blasting the federal Liberals over the cost of living, as the minority government prepares to table a budget that will need the support of at least one other party.

Shoppers paid four per cent more for groceries in September compared to the same period last year, Statistics Canada said Tuesday. This follows a 3.5 per cent increase in August. The overall inflation rate rose to 2.4 per cent, surpassing the Bank of Canada's target range.

While food inflation is down from its post-pandemic peak of over 11 per cent in late 2022 and early 2023, the rate of increase has been rising since April, affected by shortages of beef and coffee along with pricier fresh vegetables and sugary goods .

"Grocery prices are going up twice a