National Business

CHARLOTTETOWN — The COVID-19 pandemic has blown a hole through the public finances of Prince Edward Island, with the province announcing Wednesday a budget deficit for fiscal 2020-21 of $173 million.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index moved lower midweek as falling crude oil prices hurt the energy sector. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 87.14 points at 15,428.69. The energy sector was the big loser, plunging 4.

CALGARY — Enbridge Inc. says 800 employees have voluntarily left the company, allowing it to avoid layoffs as it cuts costs to counter impacts from COVID-19 and lower global oil prices.

TORONTO — The Toronto agency that operates three prestigious arts venues says additional layoffs mean 115 full-time positions have now been affected by the pandemic.

BERLIN — The Group of Seven leading economies is calling on China to reconsider plans to impose a national security law in Hong Kong, according to a joint statement issued Wednesday.

TORONTO — Iamgold Corp. says it has suspended operations at its Rosebel Gold Mine in the South American country of Suriname after seven people were diagnosed with COVID-19, sparking a showdown with its union.

LONDON — Some of London’s biggest West End shows, including “Hamilton” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” won’t reopen until next year, producers announced Wednesday, as arts bodies warned that Britain faces a “cultural catastrophe” because of the coron

NEW YORK — Quaker Oats is retiring the 131-year-old Aunt Jemima brand, saying the company recognizes the character's origins are “based on a racial stereotype.

NEW YORK — Mark Cuban is ready to talk business — or whatever else his radio listeners want to discuss.

OTTAWA — The annual pace of inflation pulled back even further in May due to a drop in gasoline prices compared with a year ago as businesses shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic began to reopen slowly.