On June 26, Canada amended its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, removing 178 non-degree programs while adding 119 new fields of study aligned with sectors facing labor shortages. This update brings the total eligible fields of study for PGWPs to 920. The government has also stated that graduates who applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, will still be eligible for a PGWP if their field of study was on the list when they applied. This is the latest in a series of changes, as last year the IRCC updated the eligibility criteria for PGWPs, and also announced the new 2025 Express Entry categories.
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This comprehensive list meticulously details the sovereign nations and territories around the world. The compilation includes recognized countries, along with their formal names, and often, past and current political designations. Moreover, various dependencies, special administrative regions, and overseas territories are also represented. It serves as a valuable reference, cataloging the diverse geopolitical landscape of the globe.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that President Trump is no longer interested in annexing Canada, according to a recent interview. This declaration follows similar statements from the US ambassador to Canada, suggesting the annexation discussions are over. Carney also acknowledged Trump’s influence in encouraging higher Canadian defense spending and the potential for decisive action in the Middle East, although the priority there remains establishing a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Finally, Carney praised Iran’s “proportionate” response to a US military action.
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Amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, the Canadian government is arranging commercial flights for Canadians seeking to leave both countries. Canadians are being urged to make their way to neighboring countries like Jordan, Turkey, and Armenia, where consular services have been boosted. These flights are expected to be available immediately, as airspace closures necessitate departure from these “neighboring jurisdictions”. While the government assists with flights, evacuees are expected to cover their own costs, as per standard practice.
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India is a perpetrator of foreign interference, Canadian intelligence agency says. This assertion, while not new, has reignited a heated debate. The claim isn’t entirely surprising; intelligence agencies, by their nature, engage in activities that could be construed as interference in other nations’ affairs. But the specific allegations against India – including influencing Canadian communities and politicians – have sparked considerable controversy.
The timing of the announcement is also questionable. Why wasn’t this mentioned during the G7 summit with Indian Prime Minister Modi in attendance? The silence suggests a strategic decision, perhaps to avoid escalating tensions during a crucial diplomatic event.… Continue reading
Canada’s decision to release a G6 statement on Ukraine, excluding the US, after encountering resistance from the American delegation, highlights a significant rift within the G7. The situation underscores a growing divergence in approaches to the conflict in Ukraine, with Canada and its allies taking a much firmer stance than the United States under its current leadership.
The core issue appears to be a fundamental disagreement regarding the appropriate level of support for Ukraine. Canada and the other G6 nations felt that the US proposed significant watering down of a draft statement, compromising the message of unwavering support for Ukraine. This dilution of the statement was perceived as unfair to Ukraine, whose president was present at the summit, and an insufficient response to the ongoing aggression.… Continue reading
Canada pledged $4.3 billion in aid to Ukraine, allocating $2 billion for military supplies (contributing to NATO commitments) and $2.3 billion as a loan for infrastructure reconstruction, repayable through interest on frozen Russian assets. Simultaneously, Canada imposed new sanctions on 77 individuals, 39 entities, and 201 vessels involved in Russia’s “shadow fleet.” This support follows similar UK actions, demonstrating a coordinated Western response to bolster Ukraine’s defense and pressure Russia. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the timely assistance.
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A premature Canadian infant who contracted measles before birth from an unvaccinated mother has died, though the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed. This death, potentially linked to the current measles outbreak, is raising concerns given the virus’s resurgence across Canada, particularly in Ontario and Alberta. The outbreak disproportionately impacts certain unvaccinated communities, highlighting the importance of MMR vaccination. Measles, a highly contagious virus with potentially severe complications, was declared eradicated in Canada in 1998 but continues to reappear due to international spread and vaccine hesitancy.
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A massive measles outbreak in southwestern Ontario, Canada, has resulted in over 2,000 cases and one death, jeopardizing Canada’s measles elimination status. The outbreak, linked to a Mennonite wedding, is largely impacting unvaccinated children and is exacerbated by factors including vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation, limited access to family doctors, and delayed immunizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resurgence highlights the need for improved vaccination strategies and communication, particularly within vaccine-hesitant communities, to prevent future outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases. The crisis underscores the fragility of Canada’s public health system and the challenges in balancing individual liberties with collective well-being.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood