National Business

MONTREAL — Visual effects and animation companies are uniting to strike a better deal with the Quebec government after it implemented tax changes that some firms say will cost them nearly two-thirds of their revenues next year.

VANCOUVER — In the seven years since the NDP came to power in British Columbia, food prices have jumped by almost 30 per cent. Rent and transport costs are up by about a quarter, while the cost of filling up with gasoline has risen by almost half.

FREDERICTON — As they both campaign for re-election, the premiers of British Columbia and New Brunswick appear to agree on one controversial issue: involuntary care for those with severe drug addictions. Earlier this month, B.C.

TRAIL, BRITISH COLUMBIA — Tech Resources says a fire at its zinc plant in Trail, B.C., has shut down one of the plant's four sections, but the other three remain in operation as it investigates the cause of the "localized" blaze.

MONCTON, N.B.

A federal judge on Wednesday approved a $600 million class-action settlement Wednesday that Norfolk Southern railroad offered to everyone who lived within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of last year's disastrous derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

REGINA — Saskatchewan's education minister is facing a second investigation by the conflict of interest commissioner, this time surrounding investments into two helium companies.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress on Wednesday passed a temporary measure that keeps government agencies funded into December, avoiding a shutdown for now while punting final spending decisions until after the Nov. 5 election.

SURREY, B.C. — New Democrat Leader David Eby says he will help more middle-class, first-time buyers into the housing market in British Columbia with a plan to finance 40 per cent of the price.

TORONTO — Hudson's Bay says Ann Taylor and Loft will return to Canada through a partnership with the department store. The deal with Centric Brands LLC, a U.S.