National Business

MONTREAL — Power Corp. beat expectations as its net profit attributable to shareholders surged in the final quarter of 2020 as its life insurance business benefited from acquisitions.

VICTORIA — The B.C. government says it's adding $30 million to its program aimed at helping businesses build or expand their online operations during the COVID-19 pandemic in response to high demand for the grant money.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (18,983.10, up 109.09 points.) Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ). Energy. Up 53 cents, or 1.37 per cent, to $39.24 on 15.

CALGARY — A company investigating the use of radio frequency energy as a cleaner and cheaper way to produce bitumen from the oilsands says it has the financial means to proceed with a commercial pilot project.

Vaping rates among Canadian youth appear to have plateaued in 2020, a Statistics Canada study suggests, which one researcher calls a promising sign that the next generation could be kicking the nicotine habit.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve foresees the economy accelerating quickly this year yet still expects to keep its benchmark interest rate pinned near zero through 2023, despite concerns in financial markets about potentially higher inflation.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index hit 19,000 points for the first time Wednesday on a supportive outlook by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The S&P/TSX composite index erased morning losses to close up 109.09 points to 18,983.

CALGARY — The Alberta Energy Regulator says it is directing the Orphan Well Association and working interest partners of Mojek Resources Inc.

OTTAWA — The country's annual inflation rate hit a pandemic-era high of 1.1 per cent last month, driven by a rise in gasoline prices that suggests an economic recovery is on the horizon.

A Saskatchewan condo corporation has purchased thousands of dollars worth of bitcoin in hopes of eventually eliminating fees for residents, but experts say such cryptocurrency investments come with risks. Regina-based Thornton Place Condominium Corp.