Charitable organizations say many people are hitting the breaking point in the Northwest Territories in the wake of the latest cost of living numbers released by Statistics Canada.
Figures show that inflation continues to climb despite the Bank of Canada’s efforts to curb it by raising interest rates.
Stats reveal that inflation in Yellowknife was 7.7 per cent higher in September compared to the same time last year. Whitehorse stood at 7.5 per cent with the rising cost of food leading the way across the board.
The Salvation Army in Yellowknife says it has helped 1400 more people this year compared to 2021.
“The general comment is that food price increases, along with other household costs, is making it increasingly difficult to maintain bill payments,” says Executive Director, Jason Brinson.
He says other charitable organizations are also seeing an influx for demand because of rising costs.
“As recently as today, I have heard from other non-profits that are expressing the same concerns. They too are seeing an increase in the need for food among other supports.”
The national cost of living hike for September was 6.9 per cent. Prince Edward Island saw the largest increase at 8.4 per cent while Iqaluit saw the lowest at five per cent.
