Stats Can figures shows shoppers paying 20% more for food staples

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The statistics about food prices in Canada are startling.

Statistics Canada’s monthly average retail prices for selected products shows shoppers are paying 20% more for spaghetti, flour, cabbage and other staples according to Blacklock’s Reporter.

In its report released Wednesday, Stats Can says even the cheapest meats went up in price by a third or more year over year while a loaf of white bread averaged $4.

“Canadians are feeling left behind and ripped off,” New Democrat MP Niki Ashton (Churchill-Keewatinook, Man.) told reporters.

“Millions of Canadians are struggling right now. Historically high inflation, skyrocketing costs of living – working families are struggling to cover basic needs.”

Among the stats, British Columbians paid 16% for bacon to $7.59 per 500 grams in May compared to the same period last year.

Albertan shoppers paid 14% more for chicken thighs to $10.80 per kilogram and 18% more for stewing beef to $18.78 per kilogram.

Those in Saskatchewan paid 20% more for chicken breasts to $15.16 per kilogram and 57% more for vegetable oil to $13.88 per three litre jug.

Manitobans paid 23% more for iceberg lettuce to $2.83 per head and 34% more for mayonnaise to $5.50 per jar.

Ontario shoppers paid 16% more for butter to $5.91 per block, 25% more for pork ribs to $11.98 per kilogram and 37% more for chicken thighs to $12.12 per kilogram.

“Working people of this country who are struggling to deal with inflation and making ends meet are paying more than their fair share,” said Ashton.

“Canada is becoming a country that isn’t able to actually meet the needs of a growing number of Canadians.”