National Business

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Electricity has been restored to nearly 4,000 homes and businesses in Kamloops, B.C., after a rapidly spreading grass fire swept through an area not far from the city centre.

As more Canadians enter common-law relationships, experts are encouraging young couples to educate themselves on the tax implications.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but remains low by historic standards. U.S. jobless claims rose by 5,000 to 245,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

Canada's industry minister is calling on the country's major telecom companies to come to an agreement over wireless service in Toronto's subway system.

REGINA — Canada’s only rare earths mining company is pausing all construction at its Saskatoon processing facility.

VANCOUVER — Glencore says it is willing to consider improving its offer to acquire Teck Resources Ltd.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,680.83, down 3.85): B2Gold Corp. (TSX:BTO). Basic Materials. Down 10 cents, or 1.8 per cent, to $5.46 on 13.6 million shares.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is leaving women's access to a widely used abortion pill untouched until at least Friday, while the justices consider whether to allow restrictions on the drug mifepristone to take effect.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index edged lower on Wednesday, weighed down by losses in the energy and base metal stocks, while U.S. stock markets were mixed.

CALGARY — Imperial Oil Ltd. said its cleanup efforts following recent high-profile wastewater releases from its Kearl oilsands site will be complete next month.