- Aid sector criticises lack of foreign aid in federal budget
- Democrats secure Senate control as Abdul El-Sayed claims victory in Michigan
- Vomiting illness affects seven on easyJet flight from Egypt to Scotland
- Six-year-old boy dies in hospital weeks after Waterford arson attack
- El Hierro declares emergency as migrant and refugee arrivals surge
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- Trump offers UFC CEO Dana White the White House press secretary position
- British citizen among six killed in shooting at Krakow market square
UK public borrowing exceeds official forecast in September
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Government borrowing overshot official projections in September, which is a sign of the difficult fiscal position that the Chancellor faces as she puts the finishing touches on her first tax and spending budget.
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What’s the Latest: Aid sector calls out omission of foreign aid in federal budget
Canada‘s aid sector has expressed dismay over the federal budget announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, which made no mention of foreign aid for the first time in over 15 years. Kate Higgins, head of Co-operation Canada, stated, “The budget is largely silent on issues of international development co-operation and humanitarian action.”
The Canadian government has not specified a timetable for the anticipated foreign policy review that is expected to address international development assistance and humanitarian action. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that the update would be available in a matter of weeks, emphasising that development assistance remains a priority for Global Affairs Canada.
Canada’s aid sector has expressed disappointment at the federal budget’s omission of foreign aid, with Co-operation Canada head Kate Higgins urging the government to clarify its stance during an upcoming foreign policy review. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that this review will occur in “a matter of weeks” and will address the country’s approach to development assistance.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how Canada’s federal budget will specifically affect foreign aid allocations moving forward.
Aid sector criticises lack of foreign aid in federal budget
Canada’s aid sector has expressed significant concern following the federal budget’s omission of any mention of foreign aid, marking the first time in over 15 years that international assistance has been excluded from budget discussions. Kate Higgins, head of Co-operation Canada, stated, “The budget is largely silent on issues of international development co-operation and humanitarian action,” highlighting the precarious global context where aid is often critical.
The budget, presented by Prime Minister Mark Carney, notably lacks references to “international assistance,” “foreign aid,” and “international development.” A review by The Canadian Press shows previous budgets since 2010 included these terms. The latest document references Ukraine only in connection with drone production and briefly mentions aid workers in relation to a permit program for organisations operating in conflict zones.
Higgins remarked on the government’s prior commitment to cut $2.7 billion in foreign aid over four years, suggesting that while no further reductions were introduced, “the stakes around the world are very high.” She urged the government to consider the vital role of development funding in addressing international crises, such as the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand assured that the foreign policy review, expected soon, will incorporate “our approach on development,” emphasising that “development assistance is a priority for Global Affairs Canada.” However, advocates remain sceptical, with Lindsay Sheridan from Results Canada expressing disappointment at the lack of details, stating their search of the budget turned up no relevant terms regarding international assistance.
UNICEF Canada and The One Campaign both echoed these concerns, arguing for the inclusion of international development in discussions of global volatility. The House of Commons finance committee had also urged the government for more transparency regarding aid allocations, with critics pointing to missed opportunities to establish a comprehensive strategy akin to earlier initiatives led by Canada under past administrations.
Get you up to speed: 2026 Senate midterm election results as Democrats win control, Schumer vows “legislative razor wire” against Trump
Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed declared victory in Michigan, stating, “Michigan, we did it!” The race remains unprojected by WTX US News, though Democrats are assessed as likely winners.
The race between Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers remains too close to call, with WTX US News not projecting a winner as votes continue to be counted. If El-Sayed prevails, he will make history as the first Muslim-American elected to the U.S. Senate, pending his expected swearing-in in January.
Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed declared victory in Michigan, expressing pride in potentially becoming the first Muslim-American elected to the U.S. Senate, and emphasised a commitment to inclusive leadership. The outcome remains uncertain as WTX US News has not projected a winner, but El-Sayed’s remarks indicate a determination to confront political opposition directly and to engage with special interests in future political efforts.
What remains unclear — WTX US News has not projected a winner in the closely contested race.
Democrats secure Senate control as Abdul El-Sayed claims victory in Michigan
Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed took the stage in Michigan to declare victory. WTX US News has not projected a winner in the race, which remains tight, though Democrats are assessed as the likely winners.
“Michigan, we did it!” El-Sayed said.
He said he is “so proud and honored” to be their senator-elect. If he wins against Republican Mike Rogers, El-Sayed will be the first Muslim-American elected to the U.S. Senate.
“You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates, so thank you,” he said. “This is all yours.”
He thanked voters for inviting him to their churches, synagogues and homes.
“Thank you for your trust and your belief and your kindness,” he said. “I’m going to take it all with me and I hope to bring back the kind of leadership that more than earns it.”
El-Sayed said his opponents weren’t just targeting and attacking him, “they were targeting and attacking you.”
“They want an America that is too small for some of us. We know that America is big enough for all of us,” he said.
It was a bitter race. El-Sayed’s vehement criticism of the Israeli government drew stiff pushback from Republicans and some moderate Democrats in both the primary and general election, and President Trump frequently made incendiary comments about El-Sayed, calling him “Mohammad” and saying he should be forced to go through a metal detector. He pointed to that bitterness during his speech early Wednesday.
“So Mike, enjoy your retirement!” El-Sayed said, telling him to enjoy his yachts.
“You chose hate, and Michigan chose hope,” he said. “May we never have to see the likes of you in the state again.”
“JD, habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you’re constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January,” he said, before nodding to Vice President JD Vance’s Ohio heritage. “So you know what that means: Wolverine one, Buckeye zero!”
“Donald, look, I know you’ve struggled with my name,” he said. “So after JD swears me in in January, you can just go on and call me senator.”
“To the super PACs and special interests who tried to beat us, we are coming for your system of politics,” he said. “To AIPAC, who spent $42 million against us, thank you for giving me the opportunity to beat you twice.”
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