National Business

CALGARY — After long enjoying a reputation as a "bridge fuel" capable of helping the world achieve its climate goals, natural gas is losing some of its environmental lustre — and that has implications for Canada's energy sector.

POND INLET — Federal cabinet ministers have denied a request to expand an iron ore mine on the northern tip of Baffin Island.

OTTAWA — Transport Canada estimates as much as $3.9 billion in trade activity was halted because of border blockades across the country related to protests against COVID-19 restrictions last winter, a public inquiry heard Wednesday.

WINNIPEG — Manitoba Hydro is asking the provincial regulator, the Public Utilities Board, to approve electricity rate increases of 3.5 per cent in each of the next two years.

PRZEWODOW, Poland (AP) — NATO member Poland and the head of the military alliance both said Wednesday that a missile strike in Polish farmland that killed two people appeared to be unintentional and was probably launched by air defenses in neighborin

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon has begun mass layoffs in its corporate ranks, becoming the latest tech company to trim its workforce amid rising fears about the wider economic environment.

NEW YORK — Retailers and technology companies led a broad slide for stocks Wednesday after a dismal financial report from Target overshadowed a positive retail sector report from the government. The S&P 500 fell 0.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index slipped Wednesday as October inflation data was released, pulled lower by losses in energy and metals, while U.S. markets were also down. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 36.82 points at 19,957.96.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (19,957.96, down 36.82): Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC). Financials. Down 16 cents, or 0.68 per cent, to $23.33 on 19.

Two of Canada’s grocers say food suppliers are continuing to pass along new cost increases, signalling higher food prices will persist into 2023. Loblaw Cos. Ltd. and Metro Inc.