Canadian media tells Canadians how to stretch the dollar amid rising food costs, recession fears

The price of just about everything in Canada has skyrocketed in recent years, due in large part to the Covid-19 pandemic and policies enacted by the Trudeau Liberals. As a result, Canadians have been forced to make changes to their spending habits in order to maintain their standard of living.

Fears of a recession have further increased the need for penny-pinching guidance, however, the extent to which Canadians will go to avoid going broke has limits. A recent article published by CTV News highlighted the advice of a dietician who suggested that money can be saved by foregoing the grocery store in favour of the dollar store.

Registered dietician Bailey Franklyn told the outlet that the nation's many discount stores, such as Dollarama, and Dollar Tree, should be seen as viable alternatives to grocery stores for certain products.

"I think you could absolutely still find nutritious, healthy foods at a lower cost," Franklyn said. "It's just going to take a little bit of planning ahead and knowing what to look for and basically changing up your shopping style a little bit if you’re really looking to save some money."

She warned that many of the cheaper alternatives available at dollar stores were ultra-processed, and urged potential customers to read the labels carefully to avoid purchasing unhealthy foods.

While grocery shopping at the same place you buy cheap cards and last-minute party supplies may sound unappealing, they do carry many of the same products as major food retailers. Canned foods such as tuna or beans, can be found for a fraction of the price.

As CTV News reports, inflation has risen to 3.3 percent, with the consumer price index rising along with it.

A number of Canadians have taken to social media as of late to express their concern over the rising cost of living, with some suggesting the crisis may lead them to leave the country.