Whatever it takes to make Liberals look better.

Much of the current debate about inflation focuses on how Canada is doing relative to other countries, especially the U.S. Unfortunately, many people, including economists, are quick to simply compare the consumer price index (CPI) in the two countries. The latest readings were 7.0 per cent in the U.S. versus 4.8 per cent here, which suggests inflation is less of a problem for us. But this ignores how the CPI (and many other statistics) differ among national statistical agencies.

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Statistics Canada’s excludes used car prices, which rose sharply in North America in the pandemic after a shortage of computer chips resulted in fewer new autos being produced just as demand accelerated. There is no theoretical reason to exclude used cars. Statistics Canada simply does not have the resources to survey them adequately. At the moment, used-car prices are adding over a percentage point to inflation south of the border. We almost certainly are experiencing some used-car inflation; we’re just not counting it.

There are other differences in the CPI, notably the treatment of housing, one of the largest components of prices. There is no right or wrong way to measure housing prices, which is why how it’s done has changed over time in both countries. The reasons for the difference are less important to users than the fact that there is a difference.

Yet another story about an innocent person shot by gunman on bail, without the judge who did so being identified.

Not even 24 hours after burying OPP Const. Greg Pierzchala, who was allegedly shot by a man who had skipped bail on gun charges, a major crime incident occurred in London on Thursday that saw a man in a retail store shot in the chest and his female co-worker hit in the head with a blunt object that sources say was a hammer.

Both victims are in hospital in critical condition.

Another: 22-year-old man arrested for attempted murder while already on release for a separate attempted murder and firearms offences.