National Business

TORONTO — Spring's early arrival sent demand for everything from patio furniture and inflatable pools to barbecues and bikes soaring at Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd., which reported higher-than-expected sales growth in its first quarter.

TORONTO — Leon's Furniture Ltd. reported a first-quarter profit of $40.9 million, up from a profit of $13.7 million a year ago, as its revenue climbed higher.

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada's unprecedented actions in response to the pandemic have helped hard-hit workers, but governor Tiff Macklem said Thursday that the measures may have increased economic inequality at the same time.

MONTREAL — Quebecor Inc. reported its first-quarter profit fell compared with a year ago as its revenue climbed higher, helped by gains in its telecommunications business and recent acquisitions.

When Tony Chahine’s father developed dementia, he wanted to stay connected with him while monitoring his worsening health.

TORONTO — Brookfield Asset Management Inc. reported a profit in its latest quarter compared with a loss a year ago as its funds from operations hit a record high. The asset manager, which keeps its books in U.S.

NEW YORK (AP) — Fox News Channel is creating weekend shows for commentator Dan Bongino and former U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy starting early next month.

CALGARY — Trican Well Service Ltd. is reporting positive first-quarter earnings as a modest rise in oilfield activity allowed revenue to recover from the previous quarter but not to the level it reached in the first three month of 2020.

Bank fees might only represent a $15 to $20 dollar charge per month for most Canadians, but experts say switching to a no-fee institution or minimizing your fees with your current bank can be a good way to save a larger sum of money every year.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 473,000, a new pandemic low and the latest evidence that fewer employers are cutting jobs as consumers ramp up spending and more businesses reopen.