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Canada’s Jobless Rate Rises to 6.8% Despite December Hiring

          A employee sorts batteries on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ontario. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% in December , even though the economy added 8,200 jobs during the month. The increase in unemployment wasn’t driven by widespread layoffs but by a surge in the number of people entering the labour force and actively looking for work. December Highlights Unemployment rate: Up from 6.5% to 6.8% Employment: Net gain of 8,200 jobs Labour force: Expanded significantly, outpacing job creation Full-time work: Increased Part-time work: Declined Why the Rate Rose Economists point out that the rise in unemployment reflects renewed labour market participation , not a weakening economy. More Canadians felt confident enough to start job hunting, but hiring didn’t keep pace with the influx of job seekers. This marks the fourth straight month of employment growth , yet December also saw the largest increas...

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Federal Funding Freeze Sparks Debate Over Free Speech and Academic Freedom

The Trump administration has taken a controversial step by freezing federal grants to several universities, including Cornell and Northwestern, citing concerns over pro-Palestinian protests and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Over $1 billion in funding for Cornell and $790 million for Northwestern have been paused, affecting research in defense, health, and cybersecurity. 

The administration has accused these universities of failing to address antisemitism on campus, linking pro-Palestinian protests to support for Hamas. Critics argue that this conflation undermines free speech and academic freedom, with human rights advocates raising concerns about the broader implications. 

This move has sparked a heated debate about the balance between combating hate speech and preserving the right to protest. Universities like Harvard and Princeton are also under scrutiny, with billions in federal funding at stake. 

The situation highlights the tension between government oversight and institutional autonomy, leaving many to question the future of academic freedom in the United States.

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