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Trump Declares National Emergency as U.S. Tightens Stance on Cuba

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency in respect with Cuba. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency related to Cuba, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s approach toward the island nation. The declaration frames Cuba’s government as a significant threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, opening the door for new economic and diplomatic measures. A key component of the order allows the United States to impose tariffs on any country that supplies oil to Cuba. The move is designed to pressure foreign governments and companies that help sustain the island’s energy sector, which has long relied on external support. The administration argues that Cuba’s close ties with adversarial governments and its alleged involvement in activities that undermine regional stability justify the emergency action. The decision signals a renewed effort to isolate Havana and reshape the geopolitical dynamics of ...

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Canadian Rent Market Cools: Average Asking Rent Hits 18-Month Low

Canada’s rental market is showing signs of relief for tenants as average asking rents fell to $2,100 in January 2025—an 18‐month low that represents a 4.4% year-over-year decline.

This marks the fourth consecutive month of annual decreases following 38 straight months of rising rents, indicating a potential turning point in the market.

The drop was most pronounced in the secondary rental market, with condo apartments decreasing by 6.5% and houses and townhomes by 8.9%, while purpose-built rental apartments experienced a modest decline of just 1.7%.

Urbanation President Shaun Hildebrand attributed the downward trend to heightened economic risks, a slowdown in international population inflows, and multi-decade highs in apartment completions, all of which are contributing to improved affordability for renters.

Regional differences remain notable: Ontario recorded the steepest decline, with apartment rents dropping 5.2% to an average of $2,329, whereas British Columbia—despite a 2.6% decrease—remains the priciest rental market at $2,463.

Despite these declines, current rental prices are still 5.2% higher than they were two years ago and 16.4% above rates from three years ago, underscoring persistent pressures in the market.

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