National Business

WASHINGTON — The U.S. is starting the 2021 budget year the way the old year ended, with soaring deficits. The Treasury Department reported Thursday that the federal government ran up a record October deficit of $284.

BOSTON — Once a coronavirus hot spot, Massachusetts was seen as a model for infection control this summer as coronavirus cases and deaths dwindled.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,582.18, down 191.96 points.) Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB). Energy. Down $1.85, or 4.64 per cent, to $37.98 on 25.4 million shares.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index snapped a three-day winning streak as growing COVID-19 infections and spreading lockdowns muted some optimism about prospective vaccines.

OTTAWA — The second-in-command at the Bank of Canada is warning that economic "scars" from the COVID-19 pandemic could become permanent without concerted effort from all Canadians.

CALGARY — Shell Canada is letting carbon-conscious customers get their two cents in for the environment while filling up at one of its 1,400 stations across Canada.

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Canadians continue to spend more on groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping Loblaw Companies Ltd. beat quarterly expectations and boost its dividend.

TORONTO — Telus Corp. launched a new agriculture division Thursday, saying it wants to use communications, data collection and artificial intelligence to bring more efficiency to the world's food industry.

EDMONTON — More than 430 Alberta doctors and three major health unions are urging Premier Jason Kenney to invoke short, sharp public health restrictions to reverse a soaring rate of COVID-19.

MONTREAL — Yellow Pages Ltd. missed expectations as its net profit plunged in the third quarter on an 18 per cent drop in revenues.