Canada Inflation Calculator
Canadian Inflation Rate, 1979-2018 (CA$1)
The consumer price index (CPI) in 1979 was 41.6. Statistics Canada uses this CPI value to track inflation on a monthly basis.
According to Statistics Canada consumer price index, the dollar experienced an average inflation rate of 2.98% per year. Prices in 2018 are 214.7% higher than prices in 1979.
In other words, CA$1 in the year 1979 is equivalent in purchasing power to CA$3.15 in 2018, a difference of CA$2.15 over 39 years.
The current inflation rate in 2018 is 0.38%1. If this number holds, CA$1 today will be equivalent to CA$1.00 next year.
| Cumulative price change | 214.66% |
| Average inflation rate | 2.98% |
| Price difference (CA$1 base) | CA$2.15 |
| CPI in 1979 | 41.6 |
| CPI in 2018 | 130.9 |
How to calculate the inflation rate for CA$1 since 1979
Start with the inflation rate formula:CPI in 2018 / CPI in 1979 * 1979 CAD value = 2018 CAD value
Then plug in historical CPI values. The Canadian CPI was 41.6 in the year 1979 and 130.9 in 2018:
130.9 / 41.6 * CA$1 = CA$3.15
CA$1 in 1979 has the same "purchasing power" as CA$3.15 in 2018.
News headlines from 1979
Politics and news often influence economic performance. Here's what was happening at the time:
- Ayatollah Khomeini returns to Iran after fifteen years of exile.
- Ugandan dictator Idi Amin flees to Libya after the Tanzanian army captures Kampala, Uganda's capital.
- Margaret Thatcher becomes Prime Minister of United Kingdom, the first ever woman to hold the position.
- Afghanistan is invaded by the Soviets and overthrowing of President Hafizullah Amin.
Inflation Data Source
Raw data for these calculations comes from the government of Canada's annual Consumer Price Index (CPI), established in 1914 and computed by Statistics Canada (StatCan).
You may use the following MLA citation for this page: “Inflation Rate in 1979 | Canada Inflation Calculator.” FinanceRef Inflation Calculator, Alioth Finance, 19 Apr. 2018, http://www.in2013dollars.com/CAD-inflation-rate-in-1979.