Canada's cost of living up 2.9 percent

The cost of living in Canada rose 2.9 percent on an annual basis in November, with gasoline costs leading the increase, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday. November's gasoline prices were 13.5 percent higher than a year earlier, following an 18.2 percent jump in October. Partly because of the fuel prices, the cost of food rose 4.8 percent on an annual basis, the largest increase since July 2009, the agency said. Overall transportation costs also rose, up by 5.7 percent, factoring in fuel, insurance and vehicle purchases. "Shelter costs rose 1.5 percent in the 12 months to November, matching the increase posted in October," StatsCan said. "The cost of fuel oil increased 24.4 percent in November after gaining 22.1 percent in October." Consumer prices rose in every province in November, with the highest increase of 4.1 percent seen in Newfoundland, the report said.