Budgets/Spending/Market Size

The deal is part of a multiyear effort at Coke to move beyond sugary soft drinks and into other categories like juices, enhanced waters and sports drinks.

The price hike is expected to be approved by provincial authorities next month and take effect Feb. 1.

Like others in the sector, BP has benefited from rising oil and gas prices in recent months.

Coffee giant, which co-locates with C&G across Canada, is grappling with many of the same issues as conveniencve stores.

Ready-to-drink beverages, concentrated drink mixtures and dispensed beverages like slushies and fountain sodas will all be subject to the tax.

Unemployment remains high, companies face labour shortages and some sectors are further from recovery, which is prompting the government to target aid based on need.

Shipping, labour and other input costs are projected to remain high, driving up prices.

Move could put a further pressure on already tight labour market.