National Business

OTTAWA — Canadians spent about $908 million on non-medical cannabis in the first year since legalization, but online sales dropped as more brick-and-mortar locations opened, said Statistics Canada.

TORONTO — The Canadian dollar touched a five-week high Wednesday after the U.S. Federal Reserve's signal of no interest rate cuts next year hurt the greenback and supported American stock markets. The loonie traded for 75.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,939.61, down 11.09 points.) Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Down four cents, or 2.08 per cent, to $1.88 on 9.

MONTREAL — More than three weeks after Air Canada launched a new booking system, customers continue to encounter headaches on the cusp of holiday travel season. The airline introduced the reservation system on Nov.

The Ontario Securities Commission will hear a minority shareholder's application to block a privatization bid for Hudson's Bay Co.

VANCOUVER — A new survey says Canadian public opinion is solidly against allowing Huawei as a supplier for the new generation of ultra-fast wireless networks that are being built by the country's telecommunications companies.

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate alone Wednesday and signalled that it expects to keep low rates unchanged through next year. The Fed's decision follows three rate cuts earlier this year.

OTTAWA — Production of two natural Canadian sweeteners moved in opposite directions last season, with maple syrup output reaching a record high and honey volume dropping to its lowest level in several years.

TORONTO — An automotive industry analyst says that despite reported doom and gloom about the sector, average employment in the industry at the end of the third quarter was up one per cent compared with a year ago.

MADRID — Activist Greta Thunberg on Wednesday accused governments and businesses of misleading the public by holding climate talks that are not achieving real action against the world's “climate emergency.