National Business

EDMONTON — The Speaker of the Alberta legislature is apologizing for publicly condemning the government’s new COVID-19 health restrictions.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index closed lower as weakness in base metals and cannabis companies offset gains in the financials and consumer discretionary sectors on Monday. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 26.75 points at 19,201.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (19,201.28, down 26.75 points.) Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD). Financials. Up 72 cents, or 0.87 per cent, to $83.60 on 13.

Canada's second-largest grocery retailer is reinstating a lockdown bonus for workers in areas with renewed stay-at-home orders, yet it's unclear whether competitors will follow suit. Sobeys Inc. said Monday the pay bump is "the right thing to do.

CALGARY — GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. says it has struck a deal to buy six lumber mills in Ontario and Quebec and a newsprint mill in Kapuskasing, Ont., for about US$214 million from subsidiaries of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.

OTTAWA — Canadian household spending will eclipse earnings in the coming months as vaccinations increase and uncertainty from the pandemic recedes, the Bank of Canada said in a report released Monday.

TORONTO — The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting retail investors differently, with most trying to endure the hardship and uncertainty, according to a study by Ontario's securities regulator.

Uber is offering sign-up bonuses and other incentives for drivers as it faces record demand for rides and meal delivery.

OTTAWA — The Federal Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal brought by Google Canada, saying its request would only delay a trial about a patent case filed against the search engine company.

CALGARY — In another sign of ongoing Canadian oilpatch consolidation, Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd. says it has agreed to buy private Anegada Oil Corp. for a net $494 million.