National Business

Frustration over BCE Inc.'s 4,800 job cuts earlier this year spilled over at the company's annual general meeting on Thursday, as investors and employees questioned executives on their compensation during a period of belt-tightening for staff.

OTTAWA — Canada posted a merchandise trade deficit of $2.3 billion in March, its largest deficit since June last year, Statistics Canada said Thursday.

CALGARY — Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

CALGARY — Paramount Resources Ltd. raised its dividend by 20 per cent as it reported a first-quarter profit of $68.1 million. The oil and gas producer says it will now pay a monthly dividend of 15 cents per share, up from 12.5 cents per share.

MONTREAL — Canadian airlines have enjoyed a two-year boom amid consumer hunger for post-pandemic travel. But as that pent-up demand recedes, the country's largest carrier hopes to ramp up ticket sales to corporate customers instead.

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Loblaw’s new chief executive, as well as chairman Galen Weston, pushed back on what they called “misguided criticism” of the grocer as a push to boycott the company gains steam online.

TORONTO — DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. says April car sales were up 14 per cent compared with the same month last year, though they're still below levels seen pre-pandemic.

OTTAWA — Canadian interest rates don't have to match U.S. or global rates, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says, but they need to stay within a certain ballpark.

TORONTO — An innovative funding model for community groups could grow to become more mainstream through better co-ordination and awareness, said a new report out Thursday.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Pork markets are showing signs of improvement, said Maple Leaf Foods Inc. chief executive Curtis Frank, helping the company achieve a profit in its first quarter compared with a year ago even as sales edged lower.