In contrast to an uptick in the national inflation rate, British Columbia’s rate fell in June to 2.1 per cent year-over-year, from 2.3 per cent in May. Core measures also declined, with inflation excluding energy dropping to 2.7 per cent from 3.0 per cent while inflation excluding both food and energy fell to 2.5 per cent from 3.0 per cent. That said, B.C.’s inflation rate remained higher than the national reading of 1.9 per cent.

June’s inflation slip stemmed from several factors. The rising cost of food decelerated to 3.1 per cent from 3.2 per cent, even as grocery prices accelerated to 3.6 per cent. Seafood prices increased by 7.9 per cent, fruit rose 7.7 per cent, and other food products and non-alcoholic beverages increased 6.1 per cent. Vegetable prices declined 2.1 per cent and bakery and cereal prices fell 0.7 per cent. In........

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