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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...

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Seniors Express Frustration Over Exclusion from Federal $250 Cheque Program

 

A growing number of seniors are voicing outrage after discovering they are ineligible for a new federal initiative aimed at distributing $250 relief cheques to certain low-income groups. The program, designed to address rising costs of living, has left many older Canadians feeling overlooked, particularly those on fixed incomes who say they are struggling to make ends meet.

The federal government announced the plan as part of its broader effort to support vulnerable populations during a period of economic uncertainty. However, eligibility criteria for the cheques prioritize younger low-income households and families, excluding many seniors who fall just outside the income thresholds.

“It’s disappointing,” said one senior from Toronto. “We’re already dealing with skyrocketing prices for essentials like food and medication, and now we’re being left behind.” Advocacy groups, including the Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP), have called on the government to expand the program to include older adults, arguing that they face unique financial pressures.

A government spokesperson defended the plan, stating it targets those deemed most in need, but indicated that additional measures to support seniors might be introduced in the future. For now, many older Canadians are calling for immediate action to ensure they are not left out of critical relief efforts.


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