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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...

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Loonie Plummets to 2020 Lows Amid Trump's Tariff Threat

 

The Canadian dollar, commonly known as the "loonie," has fallen to its lowest level since May 2020 following threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Canadian goods. Trump announced on social media that he plans to impose a 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico until both countries address issues related to drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

The loonie dipped below 71 cents US in early trading on Tuesday, reaching 70.87 cents US, down from 71.53 cents US the previous day. This decline is attributed to increased trade tensions and concerns over the Canadian economy, which has already been under pressure due to recent interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada.

Economists are divided on whether Trump will follow through with his threats, with some suggesting that the announcement may be a negotiating tactic. However, the uncertainty has already had a significant impact on the loonie and could affect Canadian businesses and consumers if the tariffs are implemented.

The situation remains fluid, and Canadian officials are closely monitoring developments to determine the best course of action.



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