National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers posted a record number of available jobs in March, illustrating starkly the desperation of businesses seeking to find new workers as the economy expands.

NEW YORK (AP) — Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla can now tell the incredible story.

NEW YORK (AP) — The once-deserted steps outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art are filling up with visitors again. Hotel lobbies are losing their desolate feel.

TORONTO — Centerra Gold Inc. reported a first-quarter profit of US$167.4 million as it faces trouble in the Kyrgyz Republic that may affect its ownership of the Kumtor mine.

TORONTO — George Weston Ltd. reported a loss in its latest quarter compared with a profit a year ago as it was hit by one-time charges.

BEIJING — China’s weak population growth is falling closer to zero as fewer couples have children, government data showed Tuesday, adding to strains on an aging society with a shrinking workforce.

U.S.

TORONTO — Online storytelling company Wattpad and its writer-users will have more chances to expand their audience — and income — after the close of its sale to an Asian media conglomerate Monday, says Allen Lau.

TORONTO — Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. says its net income surged in the first quarter as sales grew even though its stores were closed for more days than a year ago. The Toronto-based retailer says it earned $8.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (19,361.88, down 110.86 points.) Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC). Financials. Up 17 cents, or 0.66 per cent, to $26.02 on 20.