National Business

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (21,531.72, down 72.47 points.) Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC). Financials. Up 99 cents, or 3.7 per cent, to $27.89 on 39.

Canada's main stock index closed on a downward note after higher-than-expected inflation numbers south of the border appeared to increase the likelihood of an aggressive rate hike next month by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

TORONTO — Canadian insurers Manulife Financial Corp. and Sun Life Financial Inc. said Thursday that they see significant potential for Asian markets as the region's middle class continues to grow.

WHITEHORSE — Yukon's acting chief medical officer of health says the territory will continue to gradually lift COVID-19 restrictions despite political pressure brought on by protests and blockades in other parts of the country. Dr.

CALGARY — The head of Precision Drilling Corp. says higher oil and gas prices are boosting business, as the company works to reduce debt and climb back into the black after its 11th straight quarter of net losses.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The Canadian Travel and Tourism Roundtable is joining a group of doctors to demand the federal government end all COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers.

Automakers in Canada are scaling back production and bracing for continued disruptions as trucker blockades at U.S. border crossings worsen an industry-wide parts shortage.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation soared over the past year at its highest rate in four decades, hammering American consumers, wiping out pay raises and reinforcing the Federal Reserve’s decision to begin raising borrowing rates across the economy.

An advisory group tasked with recommending how Canada should handle the right to disconnect after work hours was split on whether the country should adopt a legislative requirement for workplaces.

VANCOUVER — As Telus Corp. accelerates investments into its 5G network, CEO Darren Entwistle expects commercialization to take time while the company focuses on developing the right product services and applications.