National Business

U.S. applications for jobless benefits were unchanged last week, settling at a healthy level as the labor market continues to show strength in the face of elevated interest rates.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank left its key interest rate at a record high as it waits for more confirmation that toxic inflation is under control for good — even as high borrowing costs drag on the stalled economy .

TORONTO — When Amrita Maharaj-Dube goes shopping with her daughter, the five-year-old is instantly drawn toward all things pink and sparkly.

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is planning to lift a ban on project labour agreements — deals that require non-unionized workers on large projects to be governed by the same rules and benefits as their unionized counterparts.

TORONTO — Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc. says it earned $22.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, down from $40.5 million a year earlier. The Toronto-based company says revenues were $255.6 million, up from $253.

CALGARY — Tourmaline Oil Corp. says it earned $700.2 million in the last quarter of 2023, up from a loss of $30.4 million a year earlier. The Calgary-based company says revenues were $1.7 billion, down from $2.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2022.

TORONTO — Constellation Software Inc. says its net income attributable to common shareholders was US$141 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, down from US$152 million a year earlier. The Toronto-based company says revenue was US$2.

GUELPH, Ont. — Linamar Corp. says it earned $104.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, up from $92.2 million a year earlier. The Guelph, Ont.-based manufacturing company says sales were $2.5 billion, up from $2.

FREDERICTON — When Ryan Albright got a text Friday evening telling him that the Covered Bridge Potato Chips factory in Waterville, N.B., was on fire, he didn't believe it at first.

South Africa has gone back to the United Nations’ top court seeking additional orders for Israel to let humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, citing “widespread starvation” in the devastated Palestinian territory.