Canada back in world’s top 10 economies, with room to grow: report

at Canada’s expense, but fell back to 11th place this year due to ripple effects of the 8.S.-China trade war and the downturn in the Chinese economy. The 8.K.-based Centre for Economics and Business Research, which publishes the annual table, predicted years ago that Canada would drop out of the top 10, but did not foresee its return. In fact, as of 2016, the centre was expecting Canada’s economy to continue to slip down the ranking. Its newest projection, released Dec. 26, paints a different picture, with Canada’s economy projected to rise to the ninth-largest in the world by 2024 and No. 8 by 202 . The centre says population growth brought on by immigration has contributed to Canada’s economic strength. “Countries that are successful in attracting skilled migrants tend to grow faster,” reads a press release accompanying the report. The report also details several factors weighing on the Canadian economy, including what it sees as high unemployment, a minority government potentially facing roadblocks to implementing its agenda, and the federal debt load. Globally, the centre’s latest projection sees China eclipsing the 8.S. as the world’s largest economy by 2033 -- two years later than it previously predicted. Canada’s economy is expected to outpace the economies of Brazil and Italy over the next 15 years.

istory was made on Dec 25th, 201 , when a group of four female and two male students graduated as fully qualified scholars (‘ulama). Over the past year 7 years, these students studied what is known as The Aalim Course, at the Al Ihsan Institute in Surrey BC, under the instruction and guidance of Mufti Aasim Rashid (hafizahullah). This graduation marked the first time female students completed the Aalim Course anywhere in Central and Western North America. The graduation ceremony was held at the Guilford Islamic Centre in Surrey. Many of Al-Ihsan’s students from various programs spoke and described the programs they are studying and how they are benefiting from the knowledge they are learning. Mufti Taha Masood spoke about the institute’s future plans and some upcoming courses including a weekend Islamic school for children, tajweed classes for adults, and a series of part-time shari’a programs exclusively for females of all ages. The main program of the night was conducted by Mufti Aasim Saab, when the students read and completed the final lesson of Sahih al-Bukhari. Mufti Aasim completed the last hadith of the compilation and delivered an inspiring discourse about the lessons derived from the ahadith being read. The graduating students then received their diplomas, and the turban tying ceremony took place, in which all the local scholars in attendance participated. The gathering was concluded by a heartwarming du’a by Maulana Aasim Sahab and a delicious dinner. We ask Allah to accept the efforts made by these students and their teachers, and that e grant them steadfastness and the ability to continue to serve his deen, wherever they may be. It is our honour to welcome to the list of Al Ihsan’s graduates: Maulana Farhaan Ali, Maulana Numan Goraya, Aalima anna Meyer, Aalima afsa Farooqui, Aalima Ruwaida Sohail, and Aalima Sadaf Saleem. Al-Ihsan Educational Foundation offers a variety of part-time courses for children and adults. A full list and details of these courses can be found at ihsan.ca.