In Canada, the most important categories in the CPI basket are Shelter (27.5 percent of the total weight) and Transportation (19.3 percent). Food accounts for 16.1 percent; Household Operations, Furnishings and Equipment for 11.8 percent; Recreation, Education and Reading for 11.8 percent; Clothing and Footwear for 5.7 percent; Health and Personal Care for 5 percent; Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products for the remaining 3 percent. The CPI basket is reviewed every four years on the basis of household surveys. The current weights are based on spending patterns in 2009.
A higher than expected figure should be seen as positive (bullish) for the CAD while a lower than expected figure should be seen as negative (bearish) for the CAD.