National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index fell on Friday despite a strong jobs report in February but still ended higher for a third straight week as the Ukraine war continued to spawn volatility and push oil prices higher.

CALGARY — Labour shortages in Canada's oil and gas industry could curb its ability to quickly step in to fill a gap in supply left in the wake of U.S. sanctions against Russia, industry insiders say.

Worsening supply chain constraints and higher costs, especially for transportation, increased fourth-quarter and 2021 net losses at juvenile products and home furnishings manufacturer Dorel Industries Inc.

Canada's jobless rate has tumbled below pre-pandemic levels, creating a candidate-driven market where job postings abound but workers are hard to find. The unemployment rate sank to 5.5 per cent in February — the lowest it's been since it was 5.

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says the ratio of household debt to disposable income hit a record level in the fourth quarter as mortgage borrowing rose and disposable income fell.

TORONTO — The war in Ukraine is forcing investors, especially those who prioritize environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, to take a closer look at the stocks and other assets they hold, whether individually or through funds.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Canadian Coast Guard says three large tug vessels are en route to help a large bulk carrier ship adrift off the southeastern coast of Newfoundland.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Friday the U.S. will dramatically downgrade its trade status with Russia as punishment for its invasion of Ukraine and also ban imports of Russian seafood, alcohol and diamonds.

MONTREAL — CGI Inc. has announced a deal to expand its business in Europe with an agreement to buy Umanis, a French digital services company.

OTTAWA — The national unemployment rate was 5.5 per cent in February. Statistics Canada also released seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average unemployment rates for major cities.