National Business

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada considered cutting its key interest rate by just a quarter of a percentage point last month, but opted to take a larger step in the face of a weakening economy and falling inflation.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservatives promised on Tuesday to introduce a universal shingles vaccine program for people 65 and older if re-elected Nov. 26, the latest in a series of targeted health announcements.

TORONTO — A "difficult" economic environment took a bite out of Restaurant Brands International Inc.

OTTAWA — Canada's merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $1.3 billion in September as imports fell more than exports, Statistics Canada said Tuesday. The result compared with a revised deficit of $1.5 billion for August.

Aircraft assembly workers at Boeing factories near Seattle and elsewhere voted to end a seven-week strike overnight.

British Columbia's Crown utility says crews have restored power to 95 per cent of some 290,000 businesses and homes that were in the dark at some point Monday as strong winds battered coastal areas and parts of the central Interior.

MONCTON, N.B. — Major Drilling Group International Inc. has signed a deal to buy South American specialty drilling contractor Explomin Perforaciones in a deal worth up to US$85 million.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Fortis Inc. reported a third-quarter profit of $420 million, up from $394 million in the same quarter last year. The electric and gas utility says the profit amounted to 85 cents per share for the quarter ended Sept.

TORONTO — Thomson Reuters reported its third-quarter profit fell compared with a year ago as its revenue rose eight per cent. The company, which keeps its books in U.S.

SEATTLE (AP) — Unionized machinists at Boeing voted Monday to accept a contract offer and end their strike after more than seven weeks, clearing the way for the aerospace giant to resume production of its bestselling airliner and generate much-needed