Inflation flat at 1.5% in June, same level as May

Canada's inflation rate was 1.5 per cent in June, the same level as May.

Statistics Canada reported Friday that food prices were the main factor in the levelling off, as they increased at a 1.3 per cent annual pace in June — down from 1.8 per cent the month before.

The fresh or frozen beef index declined by 3.3 per cent in June, the first decline since August 2010.

Dairy prices dropped by 2.1 per cent.

Overall, inflation rates increased in six provinces. The rest declined.

Shelter and household items registered the biggest gains of the major categories of Statistics Canada's consumer price index.

If gasoline prices at the pump were excluded, Canada's national inflation rate would have been 1.9 per cent last month.