Economy, Law & Politics

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index rose 1.2 per cent Wednesday on broad-based strength, while U.S. stock markets were mixed after they closed early ahead of the July 4 holiday. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 269.87 points at 22,223.67.

VICTORIA — Three levels of government say they've finalized a deal that will provide more than $1.6 billion in federal funding over the next five years to communities in British Columbia, to build and maintain "critical infrastructure.

Court orders payment to Re/Max after builder fails to respond to lawsuit

OTTAWA — Canada's merchandise trade deficit widened to $1.9 billion in May as exports fell to their lowest level since July last year. The result compared with a revised trade deficit of $1.3 billion for April, Statistics Canada said Wednesday.

TORONTO — Ontario pension fund manager OMERS has signed a deal to sell medical lab company LifeLabs to U.S.-based firm Quest Diagnostics in a deal valued at $1.35 billion including debt.

In a statement announcing the complaint, BC Teachers Against Antisemitism claims the union's leadership caused "trauma and fear" among members who have been "intimidated and shamed" by colleagues.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index rose Tuesday near the end of the trading day, erasing earlier losses as energy and base metals helped offset weakness in telecom, while U.S. stock markets also climbed higher.

Business services firm admits offering consultations, denies conflict in grant administration

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation in the United States is slowing again after higher readings earlier this year, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday, while adding that more such evidence would be needed before the Fed would cut interest rates.