National Business

TORONTO — Stephen Poloz is concerned about investment levels in Canada’s private sector, which he says has been dampened by higher government spending and volatility in U.S. trade relations.

VICTORIA — British Columbia will cover the cost of an antiviral drug aimed at treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 as the federal government ends its coverage. A statement from B.C.

TORONTO — Brookfield is in talks to acquire a majority stake in French renewable power developer Neoen, with plans to buy the remaining interest in the company, if it is successful in reaching a deal.

TORONTO — Royal Bank of Canada says it's rewarding shareholders as its second-quarter profit rose from last year and it successfully closed its HSBC Canada acquisition. The bank said Thursday it will now pay a quarterly dividend of $1.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — If you use Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram, you've probably noticed a new character pop up answering search queries or eagerly offering tidbits of information in your feeds, with varying degrees of accuracy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for a National Rifle Association lawsuit against a former New York state official over claims she violated its free-speech rights.

TORONTO — BMO says it has restored its online banking services for customers after a technical problem overnight. The bank says it experienced a service disruption due to a false fire alarm at one of its data centres.

TORONTO — Nissan Canada has issued a do-not-drive warning for 48,000 vehicles in the latest effort to expand its campaign about defective airbags.

CALGARY — AltaGas Ltd. and joint venture partner Royal Vopak have approved a final investment decision for a large-scale liquefied petroleum gas and bulk liquids terminal project near Prince Rupert, B.C.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits ticked up last week, but layoffs remain historically low in the face of lingering inflation and high interest rates.