National Business

Ottawa city council has voted to freeze transit fares for the upcoming year in an effort to restore the public's trust after the light rail transit system debacle, and to encourage more people to use public transit as they return to in-person work.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index saw a loss of more than half a per cent Wednesday, reversing slight mid-morning gains, while U.S. markets were also down at the close after beginning the day on a more optimistic streak.

CALGARY — The Alberta Energy Regulator says N7 Energy Ltd. has pled guilty to violating the province's Water Act. The regulator says it laid the charge against the Calgary-based oil and gas company in August 2022.

TORONTO — The Ontario Securities Commission says it no longer has a reasonable prospect of convicting three former cannabis company leaders linked to securities offences at CannTrust Holdings Inc.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s premier announced a new $115.4-million funding package Wednesday aimed at helping low- and middle-income earners with inflation.

MONTREAL — The average monthly cost to rent a home in Canada rose to a record $2,024 in November, new data shows, and experts say this trend is showing no signs of stopping.

LONDON — HSBC, Europe’s biggest bank, announced Wednesday it will no longer finance new oil and gas fields as part of its updated climate strategy.

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says manufacturing sales rose 2.8 per cent to $72.6 billion in October as higher prices helped boost petroleum and coal industry sales. The agency says sales were up in 12 of the 21 industries it tracks, led by a 12.

TORONTO — A new survey suggests many Canadians don't plan on using all their vacation before the end of the year.

BANGKOK (AP) — Stocks rose Wednesday in Asia after a rally on Wall Street spurred by news that inflation in the U.S. cooled more than expected last month. The 7.