National Business

MONTREAL — Parents are finding it tougher than ever to save for their children's post-secondary education as the rising cost of living ramps up financial pressures.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week rose to its highest level since October 2021, but the labor market remains one of the healthiest parts of the U.S. economy. The Labor Department reported Thursday that U.S.

RICHMOND, B.C. — T&T Supermarkets, the largest chain of Asian grocery stores in Canada, is expanding into the U.S. with a store in Bellevue, Washington, set to open next summer. The Richmond, B.C.

Canada’s agricultural land is under increasing pressure to produce more food as demand grows domestically and internationally, while the industry grapples with limited resources and environmental constraints, a new report found.

TORONTO — Roots Corp. reported a first-quarter loss of $8 million compared with a loss of $5.3 million a year earlier, as its sales edged down on lower demand for its popular sweatpants.

LONDON (AP) — The European economy contracted slightly at the end of last year and beginning of 2023, revised figures showed Thursday, underlining the impact of the loss of Russian natural gas and high inflation on consumer spending.

EDMONTON — Stantec Inc. has signed a deal to buy Chicago-based engineering firm Environmental Systems Design Inc. (ESD). Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

MONTREAL — Aviation experts say Canada is losing expertise in the manufacturing of water bombers — just as demand for them is increasing. The Canadair CL-415, a purpose-built water bomber, was last produced in 2015.

Irving Oil said Wednesday that a strategic review of the company is underway and that it is looking at a series of options about its future, including a possible sale of the business.

Nearly half the board of Indigo Books and Music Inc. is stepping down — including founder and executive chair Heather Reisman — in a stunning announcement that saw one director allege poor leadership and treatment.