Home Economics: CRA resumes full debt collection efforts; A look at food price increases

Home Economics newsletter: Home prices rise by record 3.5% in February, ‘workcations’ are the newest fad among remote workers, and groceries are more expensive – but which items have seen their price rise by the most?

CRA plans full resumption of debt collections

If you owe money to the government, prepare to hear from the Canada Revenue Agency – if you haven’t already. The agency informed the federal revenue minister that it planned to fully resume its debt collection efforts ahead of tax season this year, according to The Canadian Press. During the pandemic, the CRA eased up on collection efforts because of the economic impact many Canadians felt.

‘Workcations’ are the newest fad among remote workers

A new study shows more Canadians are packing up their laptops and working from abroad. It’s earned the nickname “workcation” – where an employer allows staff to travel and work from anywhere in the world – and it’s becoming more popular with the shift to full-time remote work. A December study from vacation booking firm Kayak estimated 27 per cent of employed Canadians will take a “workcation” this year.

Groceries are more expensive – but which items have seen their price rise by the most?

Grocery stores continue to be one of the most immediate indicators of inflation impact. In February, food prices rose 7.4 per cent compared with a year ago, according to data by Statistics Canada. The annual inflation rate ascended the highest since 1991 (at 5.7 per cent), and some economists warn that more price pressure is coming before inflation slows down. How will that be reflected in grocery aisles? Read this breakdown by The Canadian Press to see how costs for your groceries have climbed since last year.