National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index followed other North American markets sharply lower on Thursday, extending its losses amid concerns about how quickly the economy can rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.

MONTREAL — The head of Transat AT is calling on government for financial support, which it says would enable the travel company to refund passengers whose flights were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kevin Vuong started to sell face masks through a newly founded company just two weeks after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic.

MONTREAL — Bell is beginning to roll out a new 5G wireless network in five cities, joining the global race to deploy the high-speed technology.

HALIFAX — Expectations that Atlantic Canadians are only weeks away from being able to travel throughout the region without any restrictions were dampened on Thursday by Nova Scotia's premier.

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada is starting a pilot project to collect information on race and visible minority status as part of its monthly jobs report starting with the survey next month.

TORONTO — The Quadriga cryptocurrency exchange that saw millions of dollars disappear just as its founder died was a "fraud" and Ponzi scheme, according to the Ontario Securities Commission.

TORONTO — Reduced crowd scenes. Fewer people on set. COVID-19 testing. Handwashing stations.

WASHINGTON — U.S. wholesale prices rose 0.4% in May, led by a gains in the cost of food and energy.

OTTAWA — Interest rates are back down to rock bottom levels and while that may be good news for borrowers, investors looking for investment income to pay for their retirement are once again searching for yield.