National Business

TORONTO — The weeks since Liam Mooney and Emma Cochrane dreamt up a viral hat meant to fend off any notion that Canada will be taken over by the U.S. has been more of a crash course in manufacturing than in politics.

VANCOUVER — The looming prospect of American tariffs raises the stakes for boosting the province's energy independence, British Columbia Energy Minister Adrian Dix said Thursday. There was urgency before the U.S.

TOKYO (AP) — The Bank of Japan has raised its key interest rate to about 0.5% from 0.25%, noting that inflation is holding at a desirable target level.

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has unveiled a plan to revitalize the city's troubled Downtown Eastside that includes pausing the construction of net new supportive housing units.

TORONTO — Premier Doug Ford plans to call a snap election next Wednesday and send Ontarians to the polls on Feb. 27, The Canadian Press has learned.

TORONTO — TD Bank Group says it's appointed Jacqueline Sanjuas as global head of financial crime risk management. The bank says in a press release that Sanjuas, who joined the bank a year ago, will continue to serve as U.S. Bank Secrecy Act officer.

VICTORIA — The driver of a garbage truck in Victoria is being hailed for his quick thinking when he saw smoke coming from the back compartment.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pledged cheaper prices and lower interest rates, but an economy transformed by the pandemic will make those promises difficult to keep. Economic growth is solid , driven by healthy consumer spending .

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index rose more than 100 points Thursday, helped by strength in industrial and utility stocks, while U.S. stock markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 122.58 points at 25,434.08.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to their first all-time high of 2025 as Wall Street regained a bit of the momentum that catapulted it to 57 records last year. The S&P 500 rose 0.