National Business

Umicore says it has halted spending on a $2.76-billion battery materials plant in eastern Ontario. The global materials company says it made the decision because of scaled-back expectations for growth in the electric vehicle market.

Bell Canada president Mirko Bibic says the company takes complaints from Yukon residents about poor cellphone service in the territory "extremely seriously.

WHITEHORSE, YUKON — The Yukon government says it is stepping in to build a safety berm at the site of the Eagle Gold mine disaster after the mine's owner failed to meet a deadline imposed by an inspector last week.

TORONTO — Widespread gains helped push Canada's main stock index higher Friday, while U.S. stock markets also rose after an encouraging U.S. inflation report.

MONTREAL — Environmental activists have caused disruptions outside Montreal Trudeau International Airport for three consecutive days protesting Canadian fossil fuel policy. On Friday around 12:30 p.m.

HALIFAX — Postmedia Network Inc. has announced plans to buy "certain businesses" belonging to SaltWire Network Inc. and The Halifax Herald Ltd., the two insolvent media companies behind Atlantic Canada’s largest newspaper chain.

The Jasper wildfires could cost the insurance industry up to $700 million, making it one of the most expensive wildfire disasters in Canadian history, DBRS Morningstar said Friday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street rallied following encouraging reports on inflation and on profits at 3M and other big U.S. companies. The S&P 500 rose 1.1% for its best day in seven weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1.

VANCOUVER — The BC Maritime Employers Association says it has been told by a lawyer for the foremen's union that an industry-wide strike vote will take place in coming weeks.

CALGARY — MEG Energy announced a quarterly dividend of 10 cents per share as it reported earnings of $136 million, saying a successful start-up of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion has helped generate better prices for its oil.