National Business

CALGARY — Fears of persistently lower demand for oil are hitting home for industry workers as the world economy slowly strengthens following the deepest disruptions of the COVID-19 crisis. Oil and gas producer Ovintiv Inc.

VANCOUVER — Telus says its fifth-generation wireless network will be activated in five of Canada's largest markets starting Friday, with another 26 to be added by the end of this year.

MONTREAL — Aimia Inc. says it has closed a transaction with Kognitiv Corp. after the Quebec Superior Court dismissed an application from Air Canada to halt the merger.

MONTREAL — The chairman of Bombardier Inc. is defending the multimillion-dollar compensation plan handed to former CEO Alain Bellemare.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (15,479.83, up 51.14 points.) Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Down two cents, or 3.92 per cent, to 49 cents on 14.

TORONTO — A new study says significant barriers continue to exist when it comes to hiring, retaining and promoting Indigenous workers in Canada's banking and financial sector.

TORONTO — Chief executives from 27 companies including three airlines say it's time for Canada's prime minister and provincial premiers to relax restrictions on air travel for the good of the economy.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index recovered some of Wednesday's losses as tech darling Shopify Inc. surged after receiving an analyst upgrade. The Ottawa-based company's shares gained 5.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California on Thursday started requiring people throughout the state to wear masks in most indoor settings and outdoors when distancing isn't possible. “Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” Gov.

Customers seeking one-stop-shop options helped push Empire Co.'s fourth-quarter profits beyond analysts' expectations as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to unfold in Canada.