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Ottawa’s Global Call for Research Excellence

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly at a press conference in Montreal about a federal push to attract top global researchers in Canada on Dec. 9, 2025. The federal government is stepping up efforts to strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in innovation by attracting top-tier research talent. Ottawa has announced new initiatives designed to bring world-class scientists, scholars, and innovators to Canadian institutions, with a particular focus on Canadians currently working abroad. The strategy emphasizes creating competitive opportunities in universities and research centers, offering funding packages, and fostering collaborations with international partners. By encouraging Canadian researchers overseas to return home, Ottawa hopes to reverse the “brain drain” and ensure that Canada benefits from their expertise. Officials highlight that this move is not only about filling positions but also about building a vibrant ecosystem of discovery and innovation. The goal is to accelera...

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Red Sea Shipping Crisis Worsens After US and UK Strike Yemen

 

The Red Sea, a vital waterway for global trade, has become a hotspot of conflict and insecurity after the US and UK launched airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been attacking commercial vessels with missiles and drones.

The airstrikes, which began on Thursday, were a response to the 27th Houthi attack on shipping since November, according to the US military. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have been targeting ships in the southern Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow passage that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

The escalation of violence has disrupted the flow of oil, gas, grains, and manufactured goods through the region, which accounts for about 12% of global seaborne trade. Many shipping companies have suspended or diverted their operations, opting for the longer and more costly route around Africa. Some insurers have also raised their premiums or restricted their coverage for vessels passing through the area.

The shipping crisis has added to the humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen, where a civil war has been raging since 2015. The UN estimates that more than 20 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, and that millions are on the brink of famine. The airstrikes have also raised fears of a wider regional conflict, as Iran and its allies clash with the US and its allies over various issues, including the nuclear deal and Israel’s war in Gaza.

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