Business

Elevated gold prices have boosted cash flows across the sector, driving increased dividends and share buybacks; Barrick beat fourth-quarter estimates and is preparing an IPO of its North American assets with more details expected in coming months.

The Carney government will drop planned EV sales mandates and introduce consumer rebates and new fuel-efficiency standards, the Star reports. The change is presented as a move to support Canadian auto manufacturing amid pressure from U.S. tariffs.

An Angus Reid Institute survey of more than 4,000 Canadians found half reported they lack a family doctor or struggle to see one, and 70% said provincial health-care quality has declined over the past decade.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to unveil a federal strategy to transform Canada's automobile manufacturing sector, and government and industry sources told The Canadian Press the plan would scrap the electric vehicle sales mandate in favour of new vehicle emissions standards.

Reporting says Mark Carney's name appears several dozen times in emails tied to Jeffrey Epstein, mostly within forwarded financial updates and link lists from an associate.

Silver fell about 15% and oil lost more than US$1 a barrel as easing geopolitical tensions and a firmer U.S. dollar helped trigger a wider sell-off in commodities.

The U.S. announced action plans with the EU, Japan and Mexico to shore up critical-mineral supply chains; Canada was not included and Ottawa says it will address access under the USMCA review.

Alto proposes a high-speed rail linking Toronto through Quebec City and estimates roughly 50,000 construction jobs and about 5,000 permanent positions while saying stations and faster connections could support local businesses and tourism.

The article reports that Alto is developing a dedicated, electrified high-speed rail network linking communities in Ontario and Quebec and that a multi-month public consultation process has begun; it also lists proposed travel times such as about two hours between Toronto and Ottawa.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper urged Canada to lessen its reliance on the U.S., calling recent U.S. actions a threat to sovereignty and recommending measures such as tariffs and faster resource projects while noting a forthcoming review of the CUSMA trade agreement.

Mayor Ken Sim and six ABC Vancouver councillors voted 7-3 to allocate up to $2 million for a one-night fireworks event in August to replace the cancelled multi-night Celebration of Light, and a staff report is expected in the next couple of months.

Assistant Commissioner John Brewer told a B.C. Supreme Court hearing that it has become harder to identify journalists at protests and that the RCMP does not arbitrate who is media; photojournalist Amber Bracken and The Narwhal are suing over her 2021 arrest.

Glencore said it has paused emissions-related investments at the Horne smelter after talks with Quebec did not secure the regulatory certainty the company sought; provincial emissions limits take effect in March 2027.

The Washington Post said it laid off about one-third of its staff and eliminated its sports section, Book World and several foreign bureaus including Ukraine and the Middle East; the executive editor described the cuts as a move to refocus coverage on politics and national affairs.

Toronto-area average selling price fell to $973,289 in January, below $1 million for the first time since 2021, and sales volumes were lower year‑over‑year.

Auto industry leaders say they would welcome a reported plan to scrap Canada's EV sales mandate as the federal government prepares to unveil a national automotive strategy; the 2026 mandate was paused last fall and an announcement is expected Thursday.

Dave's Hot Chicken is running its first Super Bowl ad while promoting customizable game-day 'Hot Boxes' and major sports partnerships, as the brand continues global franchise expansion.

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board reported January sales in the Greater Toronto Area fell 19.3% year-over-year to 3,082, and the average selling price dropped 6.5% to $973,289, falling below $1 million for the first time since January 2021.

Aurora Cannabis reported record global medical revenue, up 12% year-over-year, and said it is shifting focus toward international medical markets as U.S. officials consider reclassifying cannabis for medical use.

The NDP urges Prime Minister Mark Carney to cancel contracts for U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, including 16 Canada has committed to, and to consider buying Saab's Swedish Gripen; no final decision has been made and the government launched a review last year.

Suncor produced 860,000 barrels per day in 2025 and posted net earnings of $1.48-billion for the final quarter while adjusted operating earnings were $1.33-billion.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met U.S. officials in Washington as the administration promoted a preferential trade zone for critical minerals and announced related agreements and a strategic reserve for rare earths.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said meaningful talks with Iran must cover Tehran's ballistic missiles and other issues; Iranian officials say they will only discuss their nuclear programme.

B.C. Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene says the federal government has largely been absent from meetings on flood mitigation for the Sumas area after two major floods in five years, and she is calling for Ottawa to join local and Indigenous authorities at the table.

Toys 'R' Us Canada has filed for creditor protection in Ontario as it seeks a court-supervised restructuring; its 22 stores remain open for now.

Electra said its CFO, identified as Marty, is departing and the CEO credited him with strengthening the balance sheet, completing capital raises and advancing the company’s refinery construction plans.

An Ontario pet owner was notified her monthly pet insurance premium rose to $866 after previous increases; the insurer said rising veterinary costs and a pet's age help explain higher premiums.

The article reports Michelin was discussed during a meeting between Ottawa Tourism and chefs, and it notes Michelin's debut in Quebec in May 2025 with Quebec City recording more one-star restaurants than Montreal.

The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 list will be announced on February 16 at CoffeeFest Madrid after more than 15,000 coffee shops were evaluated with input from over 800 experts and 350,000 public votes.

President Trump announced a trade agreement with India that he said would lower tariffs and remove a 25% duty, but India's government has not confirmed the details and no formal documents have been published.