National Business

TORONTO — Energy powered Canada's main stock index to its highest since Feb. 24 as crude oil prices increased for a fifth straight week and the loonie topped 78 cents US.

CALGARY — Alberta is set to meet its goal to eliminate coal-fired electricity production years earlier than its 2030 target, thanks to recently announced utility conversion projects. Capital Power Corp.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Walmart Canada announced new cash bonuses for its workers on Friday, saying the "appreciation bonus payment" recognizes their ongoing dedication during the pandemic.

TORONTO — More than half of executives responsible for cybersecurity expect to increase their budgets in response to new challenges raised by the COVID pandemic, a new poll has found.

TORONTO — HSBC says it will offer rates below one per cent for some mortgages, which rate comparison website RateSpy.com says is a record low for Canada. However, experts say the rock-bottom rate comes with costs of its own.

WASHINGTON — The Democratic-controlled House on Friday approved a bill to decriminalize and tax marijuana at the federal level, reversing what supporters call a failed policy of criminalizing pot use and taking steps to address racial disparities in

CALGARY — Crescent Point Energy Corp. says it is cutting its capital spending budget for 2021 because of the ongoing volatility in oil prices.

COPENHAGEN — Denmark has decided to end all oil and gas activities in the North Sea by 2050 and has cancelled its latest licensing round, saying the country is "now putting an end to the fossil fuel era.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit widened 1.7% in October to $63.1 billion. The politically sensitive gap in the trade of goods with China and Mexico grew.

OTTAWA — A quick look at Canada's November employment (numbers from the previous month in brackets): Unemployment rate: 8.5 per cent (8.9) Employment rate: 59.5 per cent (59.4) Participation rate: 65.1 per cent (65.