National Business

REGINA — Saskatchewan's education minister is facing a second investigation by the conflict of interest commissioner, this time surrounding investments into two helium companies.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress on Wednesday passed a temporary measure that keeps government agencies funded into December, avoiding a shutdown for now while punting final spending decisions until after the Nov. 5 election.

SURREY, B.C. — New Democrat Leader David Eby says he will help more middle-class, first-time buyers into the housing market in British Columbia with a plan to finance 40 per cent of the price.

TORONTO — Hudson's Bay says Ann Taylor and Loft will return to Canada through a partnership with the department store. The deal with Centric Brands LLC, a U.S.

OTTAWA — The national banking regulator says it will no longer require borrowers with uninsured mortgages to undergo a stress test when switching providers.

A federal judge approved the $600 million class-action settlement Wednesday that Norfolk Southern railroad offered to everyone who lived within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of last year's disastrous derailment i n East Palestine, Ohio, despite the object

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index edged lower on Wednesday, weighed down by the energy sector as the price of oil fell, while U.S. stock markets were mixed, with the S&P 500 and Dow slipping from the records set the day before.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks edged back from their records as financial markets around the world take a pause following big recent moves. The S&P 500 fell 0.2% Wednesday, a day after setting its latest all-time high.

TORONTO — Ontario is exploring the idea of digging a massive tunnel under Highway 401 to move traffic and transit across the Toronto area, with Premier Doug Ford pledging to build it regardless of what a feasibility study says.

HALIFAX — Ottawa has finalized a $500-million bailout to help Nova Scotia Power keep rates from skyrocketing due to delivery delays of Muskrat Falls electricity.