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Canada’s Labour Market Surges in June, Defying Economic Forecasts

Canada’s job market delivered a pleasant surprise in June, as the national unemployment rate dipped to 6.9% , defying economists’ expectations of a rise to 7.1%. According to Statistics Canada, the economy added 83,000 jobs , marking the first significant employment gain since January. The bulk of the new positions were part-time roles , with 47,000 jobs  created in the private sector. Key growth sectors included wholesale and retail trade , which added 34,000 jobs, and health care and social assistance , which saw a boost of 17,000 positions. Even the manufacturing sector , previously hit by trade tensions, posted a modest gain of 10,000 jobs. This unexpected uptick in employment has prompted analysts to reconsider their forecasts for the Bank of Canada’s upcoming interest rate decision. While some had anticipated a rate cut, the strength of the June labour report may delay such moves. Despite the positive headline numbers, challenges remain. Student unemployment  remains ele...
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Diplomatic Downsizing: Trump Administration Begins Major State Department Overhaul

The U.S. State Department has begun terminating over 1,350 domestic employees as part of President Donald Trump’s sweeping reorganization of the diplomatic corps. The layoffs, which include 1,107 civil service staff and 246 foreign service officers, mark the first phase of a broader effort to align U.S. foreign policy with Trump’s “America First” agenda.

An internal memo described the move as a streamlining of domestic operations, targeting non-core functions and redundant offices to improve efficiency. The total workforce reduction is expected to reach nearly 3,000, including voluntary departures, out of approximately 18,000 U.S.-based employees.

Critics, including former diplomats and lawmakers, warn that the cuts could undermine America’s global influence, especially amid ongoing international crises such as the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and China’s expanding diplomatic footprint. Senator Tim Kaine called the decision “one of the most ridiculous” in light of current global challenges.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was tasked with executing the overhaul, defended the plan as necessary to eliminate bureaucracy and refocus the department on core strategic interests. The reorganization also includes the dismantling of USAID and the closure of offices related to human rights and conflict monitoring.

The Supreme Court recently cleared the way for the administration to proceed with the cuts, lifting a judicial block that had delayed the restructuring. As the changes unfold, many observers are watching closely to see how this dramatic shift will reshape U.S. diplomacy.

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