National Business

TORONTO — Canada's emergency response benefits have become a flashpoint, as employers seek to recall workers who are still concerned about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MONTREAL — The Cirque du Soleil's shareholders terminated their takeover bid after the insolvent entertainment business reached an agreement with its creditors for an offer without any contribution from Quebec taxpayers.

FRANKFURT — The European Central Bank hit pause Thursday after deploying massive stimulus measures in recent weeks and urged government leaders to do their part by agreeing on an EU-wide fund to support regions hardest hit by the virus outbreak.

VANCOUVER — The latest survey of businesses in British Columbia reveals few are confident the province's $1.5-billion recovery plan will help them survive or succeed.

TORONTO — Barrick Gold Corp. is reporting lower production of gold and higher costs at its mines in preliminary second quarter results. The Toronto-based miner says gold production in the three months ended June 30 fell by about eight per cent to 1.

CALGARY — Lockdowns imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic have sparked plenty of interest in residential solar power systems among people forced to spend more time at home, says installer Paul Rivera.

TORONTO — Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. says it will cut up to 255 staff positions due to a pandemic-related suspension of operations at its Holt Complex in northern Ontario.

BALTIMORE — U.S. retail sales climbed a solid 7.5% in June, a sign that the economy was healing right before infections from the coronavirus spiked again and dragged down hopes for a steady recovery.

BALTIMORE — U.S. retail sales climbed a solid 7.5% in June, a sign that the economy was healing right before infections from the coronavirus spiked again and dragged down hopes for a steady recovery.

The European Union’s top court ruled Thursday that an agreement that allows thousands of companies — from tech giants to small financial firms — to transfer data to the United States is invalid because the American government can snoop on people's da