National Business

TORONTO — Ontario will begin to gradually reopen its economy next week, starting with regions that have fewer COVID-19 cases, The Canadian Press has learned.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (18,135.90, up 93.93 points.) The Supreme Cannabis Co. Inc. (TSX:FIRE). Health care. Up 1.25 cents, or 4.35 per cent, to 30 cents on 28.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index rose for a fifth straight day to end its best week in 10 months as optimism continued to fuel gains despite disappointing jobs numbers. The S&P/TSX composite index gained 93.

WestJet Airlines Ltd. will lay off 120 cabin crew members as of March 2, blaming the measure on the lack of flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.

CALGARY — Shares in Eldorado Gold Corp. rose Friday after it announced a negotiated agreement with the Greek government that could allow more development of its mines in northern Greece.

WASHINGTON — America's employers barely added jobs last month, underscoring the viral pandemic's ongoing grip on the economy and likely adding momentum to the Biden administration's push for a bold rescue aid package.

A consumer rights group says Air Canada is not being straight with the public on the issue of customer refunds, even as it seeks a bailout package from the government.

TORONTO — Indigo Books and Music Inc. started the lucrative holiday sales period with one of its strongest performances on record before new COVID-19 lockdowns dampened the chain's sales, CEO Heather Reisman said.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit rose 17.7% last year to $679 billion, highest since 2008, as the coronavirus disrupted global commerce and confounded then-President Donald Trump's attempts to rebalance America's trade with the rest of the world.

OTTAWA — Canadian insolvency filings hit a 20-year low last year as government financial support offset the shock and economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19.