National Business

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — Construction of new homes in the U.S. rose for the third consecutive month in December and data released Wednesday suggests that the frantic pace of building will continue this year.

OTTAWA — Canada's national annual inflation rate was 4.8 per cent in December, Statistics Canada says. Here's what happened in the provinces (previous month in brackets): — Newfoundland and Labrador: 4.2 per cent (4.2) — Prince Edward Island: 6.

OTTAWA — Canada's national annual inflation rate was 4.8 per cent in December, Statistics Canada says.

TORONTO — Barrick Gold Corp. says its preliminary results show production in its fourth quarter totalled 1.20 million ounces of gold and 126 million pounds of copper. The gold miner says the production came as sales amounted to 1.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Airlines across the world, including the long-haul carrier Emirates, rushed Wednesday to cancel or change flights heading into the U.S.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Albert Bourla, chairman and chief executive of global pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc., was awarded on Wednesday the prestigious Genesis Prize for his efforts in leading the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

GUELPH, Ont. — Linamar Corp. says supply chain challenges and labour shortages deteriorated in the fourth quarter to materially hit both revenue and margins.

MONTREAL — Canada's two biggest airlines have cut thousands more flights as COVID-19 continues to surge, miring the sector in uncertainty nearly two years after the pandemic began. WestJet Airlines Inc.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Tuesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (21,274.57, down 262.88 points.) Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Down 34 cents, or 0.94 per cent, to $35.77 on 10.7 million shares.

CALGARY — Fuel marketer and convenience store retailer Parkland Corp. says it has reached a deal to acquire M&M Food Market for $322 million.