National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment checks dropped last week to the lowest level since March, suggesting that suggest most workers enjoy unusual job security.

TORONTO — The parent company of EQ Bank says it has filed notice of its intention to renew its stock buyback plan. EQB Inc. says it has also received approval of the plan from the Toronto Stock Exchange, which allows it to repurchase up to 2.

FREDERICTON — North Atlantic right whales should live well past 100 years, but threats to the endangered species, including from commercial crab and lobster fishing, have cut their lifespan to a fraction of that, a recent study suggests.

Canada’s 100 highest-paid CEOs earned $13.2 million on average in 2023 from salaries, bonuses and other compensation, according to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

EDMONTON — Alberta’s electricity “rate of last resort” starts today, replacing the province’s previous default rate for consumers who don't have a contract. The rate is set at about 12 cents per kilowatt hour until 2027.

There are a few changes in federal policies that could affect Canadians' finances in the new year. Brian Quinlan, a chartered professional accountant with Allay LLP, says many of the changes are routine.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A team of U.S.

VICTORIA — A maximum 20-per-cent home-flipping tax is among new regulations taking effect in British Columbia as of Jan. 1, with a promised middle-income tax cut arriving in the coming months as well as a spring carbon tax increase.

TORONTO — Toronto-based private equity firm Birch Hill Equity Partners has completed its acquisition of the Rexall Pharmacy Group. Birch Hill acquired the drugstore chain from previous owner McKesson Corp. in a transaction that closed Dec.

Canada's main stock index ticked higher on the final day of 2024, putting a bow on a year that saw impressive gains for North American markets. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 107.35 points at 24,727.