Canada sees regional inflation split in January, nine provinces cool while B.C. accelerates

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published February 17, 2026

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Statistics Canada said year-over-year price growth rose at a slower pace in nine provinces in January compared with December, alongside a national easing in headline inflation to 2.3% from 2.4%.

The agency said the exception was British Columbia, where year-over-year price growth accelerated due to a base-year effect tied to hotel prices. Hotel prices had declined month over month in January 2025 after rising in December 2024 alongside a series of high-profile concerts in Vancouver, shaping the year-over-year comparison.

Provincial data showed broad cooling across most regions. Quebec slowed to 3.0% (from 3.2% in December). New Brunswick eased to 2.9% (from 3.1%). Nova Scotia cooled to 2.7% (from 3.1%). Manitoba eased to 2.6% (from 3.7%). British Columbia moved up to 2.0% (from 1.7%), while Ontario and Alberta both posted 2.0%. The lowest provincial readings were in Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan at 1.8%.