Prices Analytical Series
Technical Supplement for the May 2020 Consumer Price Index

Beginning in April 2020, the collection and compilation of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) have been impacted by measures designed to limit the spread of COVID-19, as in-person field collection was conducted remotely, and imputation strategies were required to address an increased number of temporary business closures and out-of-stock products. These strategies were implemented according to international guidelines, and following consultation with other national statistical organizations.

During the May 2020 reference month, the economy began to reopen, to varying degrees, in some provinces. Where outlets remained temporarily closed, items were out of stock at a higher rate than usual or products and services remained unavailable for consumption, the imputation treatments for the May CPI were the same as those used in April (outlined in the Technical Supplement for the April 2020 CPI). These treatments were implemented to ensure the CPI remains reflective of prices faced by consumers, for the products and services that were available for consumption in May.

Tables reflecting product and outlet availability (Table 1), imputation donors for unavailable products and services (Table 2) and CPI sub-components with an out-of-stock rate above 30% (Table 3) have been updated to reflect May data.