National Business

OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada says a person must wait seven years after completely finishing their post-secondary studies before they can be released from student loan debt under the federal bankruptcy law.

TORONTO — Ontario tabled legislation Thursday that it says will speed up the development of mines by designating some as "special economic zones," though Premier Doug Ford said that could also be used on other projects.

Canadians need to "keep the pressure up" on the United States by buying local and avoiding travel there, despite a recent push from California to draw visitors from Canada, British Columbia's premier says.

MONTREAL — WestJet has walked back its bid to put temporary foreign workers in the cockpit.

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump showed little signs of backing down on his plans to tariff the world Thursday — even as members of his administration continued to claim the duties will lead to the negotiation of new trade deals.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index posted modest gains Thursday ahead of the Easter long weekend, led by strength in energy stocks as the price of oil rose, while U.S. markets were mixed.

NEW YORK (AP) — Most U.S. stocks rose, but the worst drop for UnitedHealth Group in a quarter of a century kept Wall Street in check. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1% Thursday even as three-quarters of the stocks within the index climbed.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia says it has cancelled contracts with two American companies and has not renewed agreements with another nine U.S. suppliers in response to the trade war launched by President Donald Trump.

CALGARY — The lead author of a new study pointing to more proof of water on Mars says it brings scientists a step closer to determining whether the planet was ever capable of supporting life.

EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is pausing the procurement policy it announced more than a month ago to fight U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.