Note to users

December 2003

This is to advise you of the current validity of Post Indexes calculated for the purpose of the Post Living Allowance applicable to Canadian Government expatriate personnel or persons under contract. All users must consult with Statistics Canada to ensure that the appropriate Index is used.

The analysis of Post Index surveys has been completed at the following locations. The results include the analysis of prices and costs for goods and services purchased on the local economy or from import sources at the time these surveys were carried out as well as adjustments to the indexes indicated by our continuing monthly reviews.

We have made an error in our release dated July 2003. Accordingly, be advised of the adjustment to the Post Index for Jakarta, Indonesia on the CIDA list. Effective July 2003, this Index was 107. Effective November 2003, this Index was 103.

Subsequent to clarification from the Canadian International Development Agency, the Post Index for North Ghana, Ghana has been replaced by Tamale, Ghana.

Subsequent to clarification from the Department of National Defence, the Post Index for Oberammergau, Germany has been adjusted to reflect the availability of access to US military stores.

Price surveys have been carried out by the U.S. Department of State at the following locations. The Post Indexes take into account the conversion to an Ottawa base as well as adjustments to the indexes indicated by our continuing monthly reviews.

New Post Indexes have been requested for the following locations and are now published.

A user department has indicated that there are no personnel currently serving at the following location. The Post Index for this location has been discontinued.

Other Post Index adjustments are indicated on the basis of our continuing monthly reviews. These adjustments are predicated on shifts in the current values of the respective currencies used at the posts relative to the Canadian dollar. They also take into account comparative rates of change in consumer prices at these posts and in Ottawa since the last surveys were carried out.