National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index closed down Wednesday in broad-based losses led by technology and base metals while U.S. stock markets were mixed. The S&P/TSX composite index ended down 144.22 points at 22,851.17.

OTTAWA — The chief witness in a parliamentary probe said Wednesday that he lied to a reporter when asked about ethics allegations against a federal minister.

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street’s record-breaking rally ran into a wall, as worries about potentially worsening trade tensions with China hit stocks of chip companies.

The Body Shop International is in talks to be sold to a consortium backed by a British beauty tycoon, but right now the potential deal doesn't include Canadian assets.

MONTREAL — Air Canada could have to pay more than $100 million in compensation to workers who lost their jobs at maintenance centres more than a decade ago, say lawyers in a class-action suit.

OTTAWA — After much hounding by federal officials, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control is giving Canadian dogs a slightly longer leash when it comes to new rules aimed at controlling the spread of rabies.

TORONTO — Canadian homeowners are increasingly adding flood coverage to their insurance policies as extreme weather events become more common, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

OTTAWA — Applications opened Wednesday for two streams in the federal government's new $30-billion public transit fund, even though the money won't start flowing for another two years, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.

TORONTO — When Larry McCabe learned of a looming strike by the province's liquor store workers, he picked up just a few extra bottles for his two restaurants, thinking he would find other ways to keep the booze supply running.

OTTAWA — The group Google asked to distribute $100 million to news outlets in Canada has publicly released its governance model, which it says focuses on sustainability, equity and innovation within the industry.