Because otherwise the exchange rate has been about where it is now to substantially worse for the rest of the data set.
The dollar amount in CAD was normally higher than the equivalent in USD. For example, next to the bar code on the back of a paperback, it would list the prices as $15 USD or $20 CAD. Many other goods have similar price differences.
Lately in the US it seems like a lot of prices are increasing to the same number value, despite the exchange rate.
I'm 42, so, ah, no.
What I mean is that basically since forever things were cheaper in the US than in Canada.
Gas? 25%-50% cheaper. Cheese (of course) 50% cheaper. Electronics, cars, clothes, hotels, beer, food at restaurants, etc. etc.
Now, everything is more expensive in the US than Canada.