Inflation is a major concern for any economy, and Canada is no exception. The Bank of Canada views it as a significant challenge, often resorting to increasing interest rates to keep it around 2%. However, this approach can lead to negative impacts like job losses and increased mortgage expenses. It raises a critical question: why rely solely on interest rate hikes when other effective methods are available?

Practical Steps to Lower Inflation

Step 1: Reducing Mortgage Interest Costs

In December, the consumer price index (CPI) stood at 3.4%, with mortgage interest costs soaring by 28.5% compared to the previous year. This spike in mortgage costs significantly influenced the CPI. A straightforward solution is reducing mortgage costs, which can be achieved by lowering the Bank of Canada’s overnight interest rate. This move would directly impact one of the most significant inflation factors under the Bank’s control.

Step 2: Making Milk More Affordable

Canada ranks as the fifth most expensive country globally for milk, costing about double the price in the U.S. This stark difference, not seen in other core food categories, can be attributed to government-mandated milk marketing boards and tariffs. Addressing this issue could involve either abolishing the current milk marketing system or introducing more milk imports to foster competitive pricing.

Step 3: Eliminating Interprovincial Trade Barriers on Alcohol

Canada faces internal trade barriers, particularly concerning alcohol. Provinces like Ontario and Quebec impose higher taxes on out-of-province alcohol. A bold step to reduce inflation would be to remove these excessive interprovincial taxes, making alcohol more affordable.

Step 4: Reducing Gasoline Taxes

A comparison of gas prices between Canada and the U.S. reveals a significant difference, primarily due to taxes like provincial, federal, carbon, and transit taxes. The price discrepancy ranges from 18% to 56%, underscoring the potential impact of tax reduction on this essential commodity.

Step 5: Minimizing Dependence on Imported Oil

In 2019, Canada imported billions worth of oil, often at higher costs than domestic oil, which also adheres to stricter environmental standards. The lack of pipeline infrastructure from Western to Eastern Canada is a key issue. Developing a national energy policy focused on using domestic oil can significantly impact inflation in the long run.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive Approach to Inflation

These five steps provide a holistic approach to managing inflation without solely depending on interest rate hikes. Each step addresses a specific aspect of the economy, from mortgage costs to internal trade barriers, offering a more sustainable and less disruptive path to achieving the desired 2% inflation rate.