The Canadian government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is set to introduce new immigration restrictions beginning in 2025, targeting a reduction in the intake of international students and stricter regulations for foreign workers.

This move aims to address the growing strain on Canada’s housing and public services caused by rapid population growth.

During a press briefing in Ottawa, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that Canada will cut international student permits by 10% in 2025, with further reductions continuing through 2026. By 2026, this would represent a 36% drop from the levels reported in 2023.

The changes come amid reports from Universities Canada, which noted a significant drop in foreign student applications, resulting in missed targets for this year.

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The government’s new regulations are designed to manage the sharp rise in temporary residents, including international students, temporary workers, and asylum seekers—a surge that has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Miller emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable immigration system, stating, “The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to — just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to.”

Canada initially benefited from strong immigration in its post-pandemic recovery, with a growing population cushioning the economic impact of high interest rates. However, the country has added nearly three million people over the past three years, putting significant pressure on housing and public services. As a result, Trudeau’s immigration policies have come under increasing scrutiny, contributing to a dip in his popularity.

In March, the government set a target to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% within three years, but the figure has since risen to 6.8%. These new immigration measures are aimed at reversing that trend while ensuring Canada’s immigration system remains manageable.

In a significant development within Russia’s military, former deputy defence minister Dmitry Bulgakov has been arrested and charged with corruption.

This arrest, which has sparked tension in the country, marks the latest episode in an ongoing purge targeting high-ranking military officials.

Bulgakov, who oversaw military logistics for nearly 15 years before his dismissal in September 2022, was apprehended by the FSB security agency on Friday, the UK Guardian reported.

He has been taken to the notorious Lefortovo prison in Moscow.

He is accused of failing to manage the Russian army’s logistics effectively during the initial phases of the Kremlin’s Ukraine invasion, which contributed to severe supply shortages and hindered Moscow’s progress.

Bulgakov, a decorated official with several prestigious awards, including the Hero of Russia, was one of the longest-serving figures in the defense sector.

The current purge began on April 23 with the arrest of Timur Ivanov, another senior deputy defense minister. This was followed by the detention of four additional top officials on corruption charges, representing one of the most extensive crackdowns in decades.

Additionally, President Vladimir Putin dismissed longtime defense minister Sergei Shoigu and appointed economist Andrei Belousov as his successor. This reshuffle is perceived as an effort by Putin to tackle corruption within the defense ministry and enhance military production capabilities amidst the protracted conflict with Ukraine.

The crackdown underscores the rising influence of the FSB in Russian political affairs. Despite the high-profile nature of these arrests, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has downplayed the notion of a targeted campaign, describing the anti-corruption efforts as part of ongoing, consistent work.

Former President Barack Obama has announced his support for Kamala Harris’s presidential bid.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Obama stated: “Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support.

At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.”

Obama’s endorsement underscores the significance of Harris’s candidacy and signals strong backing from influential figures within the Democratic Party.

More details to follow…