Indigenous

OTTAWA — The three provinces most dependent on heating oil account for almost nine in 10 of the households that have applied for a federal grant to replace an oil furnace with an electric heat pump.

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders re-signed American running back Frankie Hickson to a one-year contract extension Thursday. Hickson was scheduled to become a free agent next month.

CALGARY — Shares of Birchcliff Energy Ltd. fell more than nine per cent in trading on Thursday after the company cut its quarterly dividend in half and lowered its expectations for capital spending and production for the year.

TORONTO — Strength in industrial stocks helped Canada's main stock index post a small gain Thursday, while U.S. markets rose, more than reclaiming Wednesday's losses. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 61.71 points at 20,756.73.

WINNIPEG — Another step has been taken toward a possible national park reserve in northern Manitoba.

TORONTO — Patience and flexibility were Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri's watchwords a day after trading all-star Pascal Siakam.

SAINT JOHN, N.B. — Two men recently acquitted of a 1983 murder for which they served lengthy prison terms say they appreciate the prime minister taking an interest in their case.

MONTREAL — Organizations representing workers in the Quebec justice system called on the provincial government Thursday to increase security at courthouses. The letter released by 10 groups is in response to a knife attack on Jan.

TORONTO — Canada's largest school board is looking into creating a new policy to restrict the use of cellphones and social media by students in schools.

Dominique Rhymes is returning to where it all began. The veteran receiver agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks on Thursday. It came a day after Rhymes and the B.C. Lions mutually parted ways in a salary-cap move.