Leons Headlines Dec 4: Canada’s latest Food Price Report released Thursday morning predicts a family of 4 will spend $995 more on food in 2026, bringing the annual bill to almost $18K due to trade, climate & supply-chain pressures.
-The author of the Canada Food Price Report, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, is Canada’s resident “FOOD EXPERT” and will be the guest speaker at this year’s Ag Days in Brandon in January.
-Food inflation isn’t just a Canadian issue—USDA’s 2026 outlook predicts Americans will pay about 2.7% more for food overall, with groceries up 2.3% & restaurant meals up 3.3%.
-The MB Government says its Universal School Nutrition Program has now delivered over 30M meals to more than 93K students in the past year.
-Former councillor Mike Waddell has won the Cornwallis reeve byelection & will serve until the October election.
-A Brandon event hosted by “Her Seat at the Table” drew dozens Wednesday evening to learn about and consider running for city council ahead of the 2026 municipal election.
-No charges for Mountie who shot woman armed with knife, IIU after review; woman found not criminally responsible due to psychiatric issues.
-Opposition PCs pitch mandatory seatbelt use on new MB school buses.
-MPI warns customers to ignore fake texts about refunds.
-Parks Canada sites 13% increase in visitors with Canada Strong Pass.
-StatsCan’s latest report shows Manitoba homicides jumped 22% last year, rising from 75 to 94, with no response yet from Premier Wab Kinew.
-Edmonton police pilot AI-equipped body cameras to identify wanted individuals, while MB RCMP already use body cams, BPS expects to deploy by early 2026.
-Keystone Centre & its foundation announce Free Family Fun Day Dec. 20 11 am-3 pm, featuring music, food & holiday-themed fun.
-Shootout winner sends Jets to 6th loss in 7 games in 3-2 loss to Montreal.
-Wheat Kings thump Blades 4-1.
HANG on TIGHT. Food prices are not done with us yet. Food is expected to take a bigger share of household budgets next year, with the Food Price Report projecting a family of four will spend about $995 more in 2026, for a total of $17,572 — a forecast by Sylvain Charlebois. Prices are expected to rise four to six per cent, outpacing overall inflation even as trade pressures ease. Meat is the biggest driver, with beef shortages pushing prices sharply higher and shifting demand to chicken.
3 Things you need to know about the NEW FOOD PRICE REPORT-Climate change is also disrupting production and supply chains, contributing to rising costs for many foods. Some items like fruit, vegetables, dairy and seafood are expected to see moderate increases, while restaurants could rise four to six per cent. The new Canada Grocery Code launching in 2026 may improve pricing stability by balancing power between grocers and suppliers.
There’s a silver lining here. And it comes with stable gas prices, stable US dollar, bread products and dairy prices are expected to remain stable. While your Meat Lovers pizza will cost more, cheeese pizzas should stay stable. (Se what I did there.) Also the study’s author will speak at this year’s Ag Days, a real awesome speaker considering the timing of this latest report and it’s profound impact on Canadians. Details are below:
Hollywood discovers Winnipeg Pizza on South Osborne. A new feature puts a spotlight on the neighbourhood favourite. Hollywood buzz is giving this local slice shop some major attention.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/winnipeg/article/its-surprising-a-slice-of-hollywood-in-south-osborne
It’s Cookie Day — the Christmas cookie you are based on your Zodiac sign. Your star sign might say more about your sweet tooth than you think. Find out which holiday cookie matches your cosmic vibe.
https://www.tastingtable.com/2035913/christmas-cookie-zodiac-sign
Ozempic for PETS next — Pet weight-loss drugs might actually be a thing. Meanwhile, one raccoon is already starting the party a little too early.
The fake phone number from Stranger Things… is REAL? Genius marketing. Fans are shocked to learn a show’s “fake” number actually works. This clever detail is blowing up online.
Rent a car? AI will check to make sure it’s perfect. New rental technology uses artificial intelligence to scan vehicles automatically. The system catches scratches and dents before you even drive away.
Walmart grocery delivery by drone EXPANDS. The retail giant is taking drone delivery to more cities. Groceries could soon be dropping from the sky right to your driveway.
