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Italy Joins Spain in Halting U.S. Military Access Amid Middle East Tensions

                                                        File photo: Sigonella Air Force base in Sicily   Italy has joined Spain in blocking U.S. military aircraft from using its territory for Middle East–related operations, signaling growing European reluctance to be drawn into the escalating conflict.   Italy has refused permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily for operations linked to the Middle East, becoming the second major European nation after Spain to restrict American military movements.  According to reports, several U.S. aircraft—reportedly including bombers—were scheduled to land at Sigonella before heading toward the conflict zone. However, Italy denied the request because the United States had not sought prior authorization, nor consulted Italian militar...

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Population growth outpaces job creation in Canada

 


Canada’s labour market is facing a challenge as the number of people looking for work is growing faster than the number of jobs available. According to Statistics Canada, employment increased by 25,000 in November, but the unemployment rate rose to 5.8 per cent from 5.7 per cent in October. This is because the population aged 15 and over grew by 870,000, or 2.7 per cent, since the beginning of the year, while the net job gain was only 430,000.

The Bank of Canada has been raising interest rates to curb inflation, but this has also slowed down the economy and the demand for labour. Some economists expect the central bank to start cutting rates in the second quarter of next year to stimulate growth and stabilize the labour market.

The job gains in November were concentrated in the private sector, full-time work, manufacturing and construction. However, some industries, such as wholesale and retail trade, finance, insurance and real estate, saw job losses. Younger workers (15 to 24) also faced higher unemployment than other age groups.

Average hourly wages rose 4.8 per cent year over year in November, matching the increase in October. The Bank of Canada is monitoring wage growth for signs of inflationary pressure. Total hours worked across the economy fell 0.7 per cent in November, indicating a weak performance of gross domestic product that month.


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