National Business

WASHINGTON — The tax-avoidance strategies that President Donald Trump capitalized on to shrink his tax bill to essentially zero are surprisingly common among major real estate developers and other uber-wealthy Americans.

TORONTO — North American stock markets started the week higher on positive economic signs out of China and renewed optimism for another U.S. stimulus package.

TORONTO — The Ontario Cannabis Store says Thomas Haig has been appointed interim president and chief executive.

CALGARY — The recent softening of record high prices for lumber could translate into relief for homebuyers and do-it-yourselfers while continuing to spur high profits for producing companies, analysts say.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,242.81, up 177.46 points.) Just Energy Group Inc. (TSX:JE). Energy. Down 8.5 cents, or 18.28 per cent, to 38 cents on 17.

OTTAWA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says JBS Food Canada is recalling some Provigo ground beef products due to possible E. coli contamination.

TORONTO — Winter is coming and this year the forecast includes more salary freezes because of COVID-19. Human resources consulting firm Morneau Shepell says 13 per cent of the 889 organizations it monitors say they plan to freeze salaries in 2021.

Iconic suit and dress shirt clothier Brooks Brothers Canada Ltd. has cleared a hurdle to join its American retail counterpart in U.S. bankruptcy court, paving the way for its sale to a U.S. joint venture.

Cleveland-Cliffs is making its second billion-dollar acquisition in less than a year with the purchase of steel maker ArcelorMittal's U.S. business for about $1.4 billion in cash and stock.

Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. says its workers represented by Unifor have voted in favour of a new contract that runs through 2023. The deal, which was announced by Unifor last week, includes a $1.