National Business

TORONTO — A business group representing manufacturers is calling for less regulation and lower taxes as part of its policy recommendations to support a sector under threat from U.S. tariffs.

TORONTO — Real estate watchers say the Bank of Canada's decision to hold its key policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent will likely keep a sluggish housing market at the status quo.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. shoppers stepped up their shopping last month, fueled by a spending spree on big ticket items, particularly cars, before President Donald Trump’s expansive new tariffs started kicking in.

MONTREAL — Sales of Canadian products are outpacing the rest of Metro's wares, with the gap accelerating in recent weeks, said the chief executive of the grocery retailer.

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada held its key policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent on Wednesday. Here is the text of the central bank's decision: ——— The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 2.

OTTAWA — Canada's competition regulator has opened a review of a deal involving retailer Mountain Equipment Co. Ltd. and TGI Holding Inc. It was not immediately clear who owns TGI Holding or what a deal would mean for MEC.

BANGKOK (AP) — China's economy expanded at a 5.4% annual pace in January-March, the government said Wednesday, supported by strong exports ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s rapid increases in tariffs on Chinese products.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China appointed a new trade negotiator Wednesday in the midst of its tariff fight with the U.S.

FORT ST. JOHN — A contractor has been killed and another person hurt in a fire in a gas plant north of Fort St. John, B.C. Alberta-based Tourmaline Oil, which runs the Gundy oil and gas extraction facility in Wonowon, B.C.

TORONTO — Just days ahead of its debut in the Northern Super League, AFC Toronto has a new majority owner in Mark Mitchell.