“Something weird” is the fact that oligopolies are ruling Canada and there is way less competition than in US. Telecom is the most egregious example but grocery chains are a good example too.
I recently got into mixology and I've grown to despise the alcohol monopoly(s) in Canada.
Paying 20-25% more per bottle than Americans is something you get used to but it repeatedly sucks to watch bartending youtube or read books and not being able to make something because it's not sold in Ontario. Quebec is slightly better (the french know how to drink) - but even there if you want to buy Yellow Chartreuse, which is in a ton of cocktails, you need to basically own a bar + a liquor license to get access to the full inventory.
There's a million small details that make living in America easier (and way cheaper). Especially when you're into any niche hobby. /rant
Usually Canada bars are only allowed to sell what they buy/import through the provincial liquor monopoly. Ontario bars/restaurants can't go to Quebec for stock. I'm guessing some of those items in Quebec are special imports and if you're not on the ball, it can be a while before you can acquire more.
But haven't cell phone prices been going down considerably in the last few years? I remember 10 years ago you'd pay like $100 for a 5GB plan, seems that now you get that for like $50-$60
