The latest data from Statistics Canada shows that Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.4% year-over-year in September 2025, up from 1.9% in August. In British Columbia, inflation came in slightly lower than the national average at 1.9%, reflecting modest price growth across most spending categories.

What’s driving the increase?
Food prices jumped 4.0% compared to a year ago — the fastest pace in several months — while shelter costs climbed 2.6%, continuing to put pressure on household budgets and consumer spending. Transportation costs rose 1.5% overall, with smaller declines in gasoline prices offsetting some of the upward momentum. Excluding gasoline, inflation sits at 2.6%, showing that underlying price pressures remain persistent.

What this means for Langley and BC businesses
While inflation remains moderate compared to the highs of recent years, this increase is a reminder that cost pressures haven’t disappeared. For local businesses, higher costs for inputs, ingredients, and supplies may squeeze margins. Employees, facing rising costs of living, may seek wage adjustments, adding to labour challenges.
At the same time, inflation ticking up to these levels could give the Bank of Canada pause or at least some allowance to take a bit of breathing room before any further interest rate cuts.  That said, inflation is still within the Bank’s acceptable range so the next interest rate decision will depend on where the Bank thinks inflation is going next.

Bottom line:
After several months of easing, inflation is edging upward again. For Langley businesses, now is the time to keep an eye on costs, review pricing strategies, and plan ahead for continued cost pressures in 2026, while watching to see what the Bank of Canada does next with interest rates at their announcement on October 29.