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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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U.S. Envoy Excludes Europe from Ukraine Peace Talks

In a surprising move, the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, announced that Europe will not be part of the upcoming peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This decision has sparked concerns among European leaders, who fear being sidelined in discussions that directly impact their security.

The announcement was made during the Munich Security Conference, where Kellogg emphasized that the U.S. would act as an intermediary, with Ukraine and Russia as the primary negotiators. He stated that while European interests would be considered, they would not have a seat at the negotiation table.

European leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision, urging for more involvement in the peace process. Finland's President Alexander Stubb highlighted the importance of European participation in discussions about Ukraine's future and the broader European security structure. Despite these concerns, the U.S. administration remains firm in its stance, prioritizing other global challenges such as border security and countering China.

The exclusion of Europe from the peace talks has raised questions about the future of transatlantic relations and the role of European nations in addressing regional conflicts. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.



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