Key Takeaways
- Air Canada has won a court battle to quash a $2,000 payout to a passenger for delayed luggage, with the case being sent back to the Canadian Transportation Agency for reassessment.
- Canada’s inflation rate remained flat in November, but grocery prices grew at the fastest pace in nearly two years, driven by increases in fresh fruit, processed foods, and coffee.
- The price of RAM memory chips is skyrocketing due to increased demand from AI companies, which could lead to higher prices for electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets.
- The retirement of Via Rail’s CEO comes amid criticism of rising ticket prices and delays, while Air Transat’s parent company reported a $12.5 million loss in the latest quarter.
- National home sales fell in November, with some sellers making price concessions to get end-of-year deals done, and experts are warning about the importance of safely stopping antidepressant medication.
Introduction to Consumer and Health News
As the holiday season approaches, CBC’s Marketplace is taking a short hiatus but will continue to provide consumer and health news, tips, and insider information to help individuals save money and stay healthy. The newsletter will resume on January 9, 2026, and new episodes of Marketplace will start on January 16, 2026. In the meantime, the team will remain on the lookout for important news and updates to share with readers.
Air Canada Court Battle
A recent court battle between Air Canada and a passenger has resulted in the airline successfully overturning a Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) decision requiring the airline to pay $2,079 for delayed baggage. The case originated from a 2022 flight where the passenger’s checked baggage arrived one day after they did. Air Canada argued that the CTA’s order was flawed, as the purchases made by the passenger to replace the missing items were excessive and included luxury items. The Federal Court Justice agreed that the CTA ruling was questionable and sent the matter back to the CTA for reassessment.
Canada’s Inflation Rate
Canada’s annual inflation rate remained unchanged in November, but grocery inflation reached its highest rate in nearly two years, with food costs increasing by 4.7% compared to the previous year. The main drivers of this increase were fresh fruit, particularly pricier berries, and "other food preparations," which include processed foods. Coffee prices also remained high, having increased by 27.8% on a yearly basis in November. The trend is expected to continue, with high beef prices predicted to climb further in 2026 due to shrinking cattle inventories across North America.
RAM Memory Chip Prices
The price of RAM memory chips is skyrocketing due to increased demand from AI companies, which are rapidly building data centers that require massive amounts of memory to operate. This shift in production capacity has led to a shortage of RAM for consumer products, resulting in higher prices for electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets. Experts predict that the prices of these devices will continue to rise, affecting not only computers but also cellphones, smart fridges, and modern cars.
Other News and Updates
In other news, Via Rail’s CEO is stepping down amid criticism of rising ticket prices and delays, while Air Transat’s parent company reported a $12.5 million loss in the latest quarter. National home sales fell in November, with some sellers making price concessions to get end-of-year deals done. Additionally, experts are warning about the importance of safely stopping antidepressant medication, as many Canadians use these medications but may not be aware of the proper procedures for discontinuing their use.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the latest consumer and health news includes a range of topics, from Air Canada’s court battle to the rising prices of RAM memory chips and grocery items. As the holiday season approaches, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and updates. Marketplace needs the help of readers to continue providing valuable information and insights. If you have complained to the consumer protection office in your province or territory or are planning to cancel your cell, cable, or internet service, please email the team at [email protected]. You can also catch up on past episodes of Marketplace on CBC Gem.
