National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rail companies and their workers reached a tentative agreement Thursday to avert a nationwide strike that could have shut down the nation's freight trains and devastated the economy less than two months before the midterm elections.

Lululemon Athletica Inc. founder and billionaire Chip Wilson is donating $100 million to the B.C. Parks Foundation to help protect and enhance the province's nature.

WASHINGTON — Retailers, industry activists and U.S.

WHISTLER, B.C. — British Columbia's Liberal leader says more supply is the answer to the province's housing affordability crisis, while some local leaders also called for more immediate action.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (19,560.16, down 165.98 points.) Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (TSX:CNQ). Energy. Down $2.30, or 3.11 per cent, to $71.57 on 7.

TORONTO — North American markets ended the trading day in the red, with Canada's main stock index down more than 150 points and U.S. stock markets also lower. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 165.98 points at 19,560.

TORONTO — Bank of Montreal is cutting jobs in its capital markets division. Spokesperson Kelly Hechler confirmed the job cuts to The Canadian Press Thursday. No additional details were provided on the number of staff or specific roles affected.

NEW YORK — Stocks closed lower on Wall Street, putting major indexes deeper in the red for the week. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% on Thursday.

Grocery store inflation may have peaked in Canada as price increases from food manufacturers stabilize, the head of Empire Company Ltd. said Thursday.

Air Canada has signed a deal to buy 30 electric-hybrid aircraft currently under development by a Swedish company.