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  Friday, May 8, 2026  ·  Canadian Money Brief  ·  moneysavings.ca TSX Opens Higher After Thursday Dip Canadian stocks are staging a recovery Friday morning, with the S&P/TSX Composite climbing back after a rough Thursday. The index shed 0.4% to close at 33,857 as investors locked in recent gains ahead of U.S. and Canadian jobs data due Friday — with energy shares dragging it lower as oil pulled back. As of Friday morning, the TSX had recovered to around 33,932, up roughly 1.1% , following positive cues from Wall Street futures. Oil Back in Focus: Geopolitics Drive WTI Toward $96 WTI crude futures climbed toward $96 per barrel on Friday , recouping some of the week’s losses as fresh clashes between the U.S. and Iran threatened to derail diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. U.S. Central Command confirmed American forces intercepted Iranian attacks and carried out defensive strikes, while guided missile destroyers passed through the Strait of Ho...
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USAID Layoffs Amid Myanmar Earthquake Response Spark Controversy

In the aftermath of Myanmar's devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which has claimed over 3,300 lives, three U.S. aid workers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were unexpectedly laid off while actively participating in rescue and recovery efforts. The terminations, announced during their mission, have raised concerns about the impact of recent cuts to USAID under the Trump administration.

Marcia Wong, a former senior USAID official, expressed dismay at the timing of the layoffs, describing them as demoralizing for workers striving to deliver humanitarian aid. The administration's decision to reduce USAID staff and funding has hindered the agency's ability to respond effectively to international disasters, while other nations, including China and Russia, have stepped in with substantial assistance.

The U.S. government has pledged $9 million in aid to Myanmar, but critics argue that the dismantling of USAID has compromised the coordination and delivery of relief efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration's response, citing challenges posed by Myanmar's military government.

The layoffs highlight broader concerns about the future of U.S. humanitarian aid and its role in global disaster response. As Myanmar continues to grapple with the aftermath of the earthquake, the international community is stepping up efforts to provide relief and support.

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