National Business

MONTREAL — The governments of Canada, Quebec and the City of Montreal are crediting a new fast-track housing program for plans to build 1,001 affordable homes in Montreal and Rimouski, Que.

The president of the union representing thousands of railroaders says the government's actions set a "dangerous precedent" that threatens workers' constitutional right to collective bargaining.

OTTAWA — Economists say the Bank of Canada is still on track to cut interest rates next week, despite economic growth coming in stronger than expected in the second quarter.

MONTREAL — About 2,500 workers at 22 hotels in some of Quebec’s biggest cities have launched a one-day strike to protest an impasse in contract talks. The walkout at hotels in Montreal, Quebec City and Sherbrooke is the second time since Aug.

TORONTO — More than 4,000 convenience stores across Ontario have been licensed to sell alcohol as new liberalized rules are set to take effect next week.

TORONTO — Cannabis retailer Tokyo Smoke says it will be shuttering 29 of its stores as it seeks creditor protection. The closures are part of a restructuring the brand is carrying out under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Art Gallery says the construction cost of its planned new home has jumped from an original estimate of $400 million to $600 million, forcing a redesign.

TORONTO — When August rolled around, April Hicke realized the $100 she typically gives her 13-year-old son to update his wardrobe in time for school to start was no longer enough.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two Minnesota women are charged with organizing thefts of several thousand dollars' worth of merchandise from a Lululemon store in Minneapolis and then funneling the stolen goods through a suburban nail salon.

OTTAWA — The Finance Department says the federal deficit was $2.9 billion over the first three months of the fiscal year. The result compared with a $3.