NNSL (Jun 03/98) - The cost of living in Yellowknife rose only slightly, the latest figures from Statistics Canada show.

For April, the latest month for which figures have been released, the cost of consumer goods and services rose one-tenth of a per cent.

Higher prices were reported for fresh vegetables, restaurant meals, pork, fish and coffee.

Homeowner costs and traveller's accommodation costs were also up.

Offsetting the increases were lower air fares, as well as lower costs for new vehicles and vehicle repairs and maintenance.

Consumers also benefited from lower costs for fuel oil, women's clothing and recreational equipment, Statistics Canada said.

Yellowknife's April 1998 all-items CPI was 107.8 compared to 107.7 in March 1998. April 1997's all-item CPI was 108.0.

April's cost of living may have rose from the prior month but compared to April 1997, the Yellowknife CPI dropped 0.2 per cent. Comparative year-to-year figures show the CPI rose in Edmonton and Whitehorse by one per cent and 1.2 per cent respectively. The Canada CPI was up one per cent.

As well as the Yellowknife CPI, Statistics Canada recently released gross domestic product figures for the NWT.

The North's economy grew 2.5 per cent last year, down from 4.8 per cent in 1996 (Canada, 3.8 per cent in 1997), Statistics Canada says. NWT 1997 gross domestic product was $2.72 billion.

The North ranked sixth among the provinces and territories. The Yukon was the only decline. GDP covers the value of all economic activity.

Statistics Canada says construction of BHP's Ekati mine was a big boost to the territory's GDP.

Ekati meant a 36 per cent jump in non-residential construction. Another measure of the North's economy, final domestic demand, rose 4.7 per cent, it's best jump in five years. Final domestic demand excludes net exports.