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Cost of Living

How Canada could pay for universal childcare, perceptions of inflation — and where are all the freezers?

This week the Cost of Living takes a closer look at the government's new childcare promise. Also the perception vs. reality of inflation — according to the Bank of Canada. And we ask why you can't find mason jars, appliances or patio heaters this fall.

A closer look at the government's childcare promise, the perception vs. reality of inflation and more

CBC Radio ·
This week on The Cost of Living, we find out what the throne speech really means for families with children, what consumer goods you cannot find in Canada this autumn and and a feature chat with the Bank of Canada on inflation. (Adrienne Lamb/CBC, Ben Nelms/CBC, Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Cost of Living27:30What universal childcare could cost and whether it pays for itself, the perception versus the reality of inflation, and why you just can't find that jar for your pickles or a fridge to keep them in

This week on The Cost of Living, we begin by taking a closer look at the throne speech. Once again, the Liberals are talking about a national childcare program. Only this time, it feels … real?

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Cost of Living7:20COVID-19 could bring affordable childcare to all Canadians

Producer Anis Heydari examines the potential scope and cost of a program that the federal government would want to be universal, from coast-to-coast-to-coast, and explain the costs and benefits of the Quebec model.

Also this week, a feature conversation with Carolyn Wilkins.

The Bank of Canada's senior deputy governor answers questions about inflation. Specifically, why our perceptions of costs going up don't always match with reality.

We also ask whether the central bank, which has bought billions in government bonds since the start of the pandemic, should just erase our new debt.
Cost of Living9:17Perception isn't always reality when it comes to inflation

Click listen above to hear Paul Haavardsrud's interview.

Finally, we all remember the consumer product shortages at the start of the pandemic, from toilet paper to Lysol wipes to yeast.

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Now, six months in, as Canadians prepare for winter, producer Tracy Fuller reports on what new and unexpected products are in-demand across the country right now.
Cost of Living5:48Can't find a patio heater? Or a laundry machine? Blame COVID-19 (again)

Mason jars are just the beginning, especially if you were hoping to keep them cold.

Click 'Listen' at the top of this page to hear the whole episode or download the CBC Listen app.

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