National Business

TORONTO — Canadian venture capital investments totalled $4.4 billion in 2020, their second-highest level on record, according to a new report.

TORONTO — Rogers, Bell and Telus will never face real competition unless Canada makes big changes to the telecommunications industry, Wind Mobile founder Anthony Lacavera says.

Quebec's environmental review board says the risks associated with LNG Quebec's proposed Saguenay gas terminal project far outweigh its benefits.

BERLIN — Germany's Cabinet on Wednesday approved 2022 budget plans that will see rules against running up new debt suspended for the third consecutive year as the government seeks to help Europe's biggest economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic

WASHINGTON — Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods slumped 1.1% in February with demand in a key sector that tracks business investment also dropping. Orders had been rising for nine consecutive months, including a sizable 3.

TOKYO — Japanese automakers Toyota, Isuzu and Hino said Wednesday they are setting up a partnership in commercial vehicles to work together in electric, hydrogen, connected and autonomous driving technologies. Under the deal, Toyota Motor Corp.

WestJet says it is restoring flights to several regional destinations in Eastern Canada that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline said it will resume flying to Charlottetown, Fredericton, Moncton, Sydney, N.S., and Quebec City.

Hong Kong suspended use of the Pfizer vaccine Wednesday after its Chinese distributor informed the city that one batch had defective bottle lids.

TORONTO — Microsoft's chief executive says Canada's technology sector is talent-rich and a player on the global scene but he wants policy-makers to weigh regulatory effects on innovation when making decisions.

TORONTO — Ontario will deliver its 2021-22 budget today, its second spending package during the COVID-19 pandemic. Premier Doug Ford says the budget will focus on economic recovery and fighting the pandemic.