National Business

OTTAWA — The federal budget has become law after passing third reading in the Senate without amendments this evening.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (19,580.90, down 125.05): Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE). Energy. Down 29 cents, or 6.78 per cent, to $3.99 on 22.9 million shares.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index was down more than 100 points Thursday as the price of oil weakened energy stocks amid weakness in base metals and financials, while U.S. markets were mixed. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 125.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks drifted to a mixed close on Wall Street after central banks around the world showed they’re not done cranking interest rates higher in their fight against inflation. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% Thursday.

CALGARY — Canadian Pacific Kansas City is continuing to push ahead with efforts to develop hydrogen power as an alternative fuel source for the railway industry. The Calgary-based company, dubbed CPKC as a result of Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.

YELLOWKNIFE — The federal government and Yellowknives Dene First Nation have signed a procurement framework agreement for the cleanup of Giant Mine, one of Canada's most contaminated sites.

TORONTO — Unifor says grocery workers have more resolve than ever to achieve higher wages and better working conditions as it heads into a two-year stretch of bargaining for more than a dozen collective agreements.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday defended his harsh public comments on China, including calling President Xi Jinping a dictator, saying his words would have no negative impact on U.S.

Empire Company Ltd. said Thursday its full-service grocery stores rebounded in its latest quarter as it added more private-label food items, the pace of inflation slowed and the company's multi-year overhaul paid off with customers.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sales of previously occupied U.S.