National Business

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Maple Leaf Foods Inc. beat expectations as it reported a fourth-quarter profit of $25.4 million, up from $17.5 million a year ago, and sales that rose more than 10 per cent.

CANBERRA, Australia — Australia’s law forcing Google and Facebook to pay for news is ready to take effect, though the laws' architect said it will take time for the digital giants to strike media deals.

Paramount Pictures is joining other major Hollywood studios in slashing the traditional 90-day theatrical window.

CALGARY — Suncor Energy says former TC Energy CEO Russ Girling is returning to the energy producer and will stand for election to its board of directors in May.

MONTREAL — WSP Global Inc. missed expectations even as its net income surged in the fourth quarter but fell for all of 2020. The Montreal-based engineering firm says its net income attributable to shareholders was $68.

EDMONTON — Alberta politicians return to the legislature Thursday for a sitting that includes a new budget and a politician recall bill.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (18,484.53, up 154.44 points.) Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC). Financials. Up $1.15, or 4.71 per cent, to $25.59 on 25.

A self-proclaimed white nationalist was sentenced Wednesday to nearly three-and-a-half years in federal prison for threatening to rape the wife of a man who was part of a separate racist group that he believed was harassing him.

National Bank of Canada topped expectations as it reported its first-quarter profit rose more than 20 per cent compared with a year ago, boosted by growth across its business.

TORONTO — Several Canadian banks have posted blockbuster profit growth this winter — despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — but are facing questions about how long the streak will endure.