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Canada Holds Steady: Interest Rate Pause Signals Cautious Confidence

                      The Bank of Canada also held its policy rate at its last scheduled rate announcement in December. The Bank of Canada has opted to keep its key interest rate at 2.25% , a move that underscores a careful balancing act as the country approaches a pivotal moment in North American trade relations. With CUSMA (the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Agreement) negotiations on the horizon, policymakers appear intent on maintaining stability while assessing potential economic turbulence. The decision reflects a mix of optimism and prudence. Inflation has been easing gradually, giving the central bank some breathing room. At the same time, global economic uncertainty and the high stakes of upcoming trade talks mean officials are reluctant to introduce new variables into the financial system. By holding the rate steady, the Bank of Canada signals confidence in the economy’s underlying resilience while acknowledgin...

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Enhanced Tracking of Foreign Students Urged by Canadian Criminologist

In a recent statement, Kelly Sundberg, a criminologist and professor at Mount Royal University, emphasized the need for Canada to improve its tracking of foreign students. Sundberg, who has experience in inland immigration enforcement for the Canada Border Services Agency, highlighted the vulnerabilities in the current system that allow for potential exploitation by transnational criminals.

The call for better tracking comes in the wake of an investigation by Indian law enforcement agencies into a scheme involving Canadian colleges and the illegal transportation of international students across the Canada-U.S. border. The investigation revealed evidence of human trafficking linked to the tragic deaths of an Indian family near the Manitoba-Minnesota border in January 2022.

Sundberg suggested that collecting biometric data, such as fingerprints and photos, from non-citizens entering Canada and tying this information to their immigration documents could help address these issues. He also stressed the importance of having a system in place to confirm the departure of temporary residents, including international students.

The federal government and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have yet to comment on the allegations, which have not been proven in court. However, Sundberg's recommendations have sparked a broader discussion on the need for reforms in Canada's immigration system, especially as the country faces increasing scrutiny over illegal border crossings and asylum claims.

As Canada continues to make significant changes to its immigration policies, including cutbacks on the number of student visas issued, the focus on enhancing tracking mechanisms for foreign students remains a critical priority.




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