National Business

NEW YORK — Like so many, the pandemic upended life for actor and dancer Rena Riffel. The Los Angeles-based performer needed help with rent, utilities and counselling when jobs suddenly dried up.

AURORA, Ont. — Magna International Inc. said a strong recovery in the global auto sector and massive growth in the Chinese market led to a first-quarter profit of US$615 million, up from US$261 million a year ago as its sales rose 18 per cent.

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to 498,000, the lowest point since the viral pandemic struck 14 months ago and a sign of the job market's growing strength as businesses reopen and consumers step up spendin

MILAN — The Netflix series “Zero,” which premiered globally last month, is the first Italian TV production to feature a predominantly Black cast, a bright spot in an otherwise bleak Italian television landscape where the persistent use of racist lang

MONTREAL — Gildan Activewear Inc. reinstated its dividend as it swung to a US$98.5-million profit in the first quarter with help from a U.S. pandemic support program for cotton users. The Montreal-based company, reporting in U.S.

TORONTO — Sun Life Financial Inc. says its net profit grew to $937 million in the first quarter as it recorded a restructuring charge related to redefining the role of the office.

TORONTO — Manulife Financial Corp. says its core net profits surged in the first quarter but overall net income attributed to shareholders was lower due to a steepening yield curve in North America.

CALGARY — Tourmaline Oil Corp. is reporting positive net income in the first quarter thanks to higher oil and gas prices and a 33 per cent increase in production from acquisitions as well as an active drilling program.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (19,310.74, up 122.71 points.) Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB). Energy. Up $1.02, or 2.13 per cent, to $49.00 on 23.8 million shares.

CALGARY — The CEO of Enbridge Inc. says the company's Line 3 and Line 5 pipelines in the United States are "absolutely critical" as each faces ongoing hurdles thrown up by environmental, political and other opponents.