National Business

OTTAWA — The Liberal government left employment insurance reform out of the federal budget this week over concern that reforming the program amid a slowing economy could drive up premiums for workers and employers.

TORONTO — The largest telecommunications deal in Canadian history will go forward after Rogers Communications Inc.'s $26-billion takeover of Shaw Communications Inc. received approval from Ottawa on Friday.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Fridayon the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,099.89, up 158.90): Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI). Materials. Down six cents, or 0.76 per cent, to $7.88 on 17.3 million shares.

DOVER, Del.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.

Canada’s main stock index climbed more than 150 points Friday to close out the first quarter of the year in positive territory in spite of this month’s Silicon Valley Bank-related market turmoil. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 158.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks rallied on Wall Street and closed out a winning March despite a long list of worries for investors. The S&P 500 gained 1.4% Friday and rose 3.5% for the month, with tech stocks leading the way.

OTTAWA — A Liberal government bill that would require online streaming services to contribute to Canadian content is one step closer to passing after the House of Commons approved most of the Senate's amendments to the proposed legislation.

MONTREAL — The union representing WestJet pilots will launch a strike authorization vote Monday as contract talks with management drag on, the Air Line Pilots Association said Friday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve's favored inflation gauge slowed sharply last month, an encouraging sign in the Fed's yearlong effort to cool price pressures through steadily higher interest rates.