Numbers rise in this issue (3)

I believe the answer is:

son

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'this issue' is the definition.
(issue can mean someone's offspring)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for son that I've seen before include "Male scion" , "A relative" , "Male offspring" , "Male child" , "Heir" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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