Consumer prices – the Adjusted price index and monthly adjusted consumer expenditure basket weights

Released: 2022-05-09

The Adjusted price index and the monthly adjusted consumer expenditure basket weights for the January to March 2022 reference months are available.

The data tables Monthly adjusted consumer expenditure basket weights and Adjusted price index, monthly percentage change now include data up to March 2022.

Consumer expenditures in the first quarter of 2022

The adjusted share of consumer spending on shelter remained higher than the official Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket weight (30.03%) at link month prices in January (33.54%), February (33.26%) and March (31.02%). Canadians directed a larger proportion of their spending to housing amid higher costs for both owned accommodation and rented accommodation.

The monthly adjusted basket weight for recreation, education and reading trended lower than the official CPI basket weight (9.40%) in January (8.72%), February (8.75%) and March (9.35%). Consumers directed a greater share of household expenditures to travel services in March, as travel restrictions were eased.

Although the adjusted basket weight for the transportation component remained lower than the official CPI basket weight (15.96%) in January (14.32%) and February (15.09%), it rose higher in March (16.44%). Canadians directed a greater share of household expenditures to gasoline in March, as prices increased at the pump.

For household operations, furnishings and equipment, the adjusted basket weight was slightly higher than the official CPI basket weight (14.89%) in January (14.96%) but fell below it in February (14.12%) and March (14.29%). Canadians' share of spending on telephone services increased in January, as prices for cell phone plans grew month over month.

The monthly adjusted basket weight for food trended lower than the official CPI basket weight (16.24%) in January (16.00%), February (16.00%) and March (15.50%). Canadians directed a lesser share of household expenditures to meat and fresh vegetables in March as prices declined.

Infographic 1 
Official Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket weights and monthly adjusted consumer expenditure basket weights

Adjusted price index matches official CPI in January and February and grows at a slower pace in March

In January and February 2022, the Adjusted price index and the official CPI had the same month-over-month movements at the all-items level.

In March 2022, the Adjusted price index (+1.3%) grew at a slower pace than the official CPI (+1.4%), a difference of 0.1 percentage points.

In March, price increases for purchase of recreational vehicles and outboard motors, purchase of passenger vehicles and other owned accommodation expenses had less of an impact on the Adjusted price index than on the official CPI, contributing to the difference between the two series. These indexes have historically shown this seasonal price pattern in the month of March.

Note that while the official CPI is a non-revisable measure, the Adjusted price index series is revisable. For more detailed information, consult the document entitled "Adjusted Price Index and Monthly Adjusted Consumer Expenditure Basket Weights."

Contact information

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