Despite promises by the federal government to reduce inflation and the rising cost of living for Canadians, major retailers in Canada did not clarify whether they were committed to special deals to stabilize grocery prices a month ago.

“This is a meaningful step-up from prior years and has resulted in canceling price increases on approximately 1,700 additional products initially planned to occur during this timeframe,” Empire said in a statement.

Empire adds that from November to January each year, it normally implements price freezes on 90% of all packaged products, with exceptions in certain instances.

According to the corporation, price increase cancellations will stay in effect regardless of any internal or external events that may cause prices to rise.

In September, the federal government issued an ultimatum to large retailers, demanding that they produce plans to stabilize grocery costs by Thanksgiving or face potential tax measures.

The decision was made in response to concerns that Canadian families were having difficulty putting food on the table as supermarket prices continued to rise significantly. According to StatCan, grocery costs in August were 6.9 percent more than a year ago.

“We also have significant and meaningful plans in development to continue to help stabilize food prices past February” according to the business.

Empire’s news comes as Statistics Canada recorded a 3.1 percent reduction in annual inflation in October, down from 3.8 percent in September.

According to Statistics Canada, the main contributors to inflation continue to be mortgage interest costs, store-purchased food, and rent.

While grocery costs climbed faster than general inflation, Statistics Canada reported that the rate of increase has slowed. In October, grocery prices were up 5.4 percent year on year, compared to 5.8 percent in September.