National Business

Under changes proposed by Canada's transport regulator, the following reasons for a flight delay or cancellation would qualify travellers for compensation of up to $1,000 — though most already apply. - Flight crew or cabin crew shortage.

PANAMA CITY (AP) — A severe drought that began last year has forced authorities to slash ship crossings by 36% in the Panama Canal, one of the world's most important trade routes.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week fell to its lowest level in more than a year, underscoring the resilience of the labor market despite elevated interest rates that are intended to cool the economy.

CALGARY — A series of electricity grid alerts in Alberta during the deep freeze last week made headlines across the country, but experts say power systems all across North America are increasingly at risk of being overloaded during severe weather.

OTTAWA — Canada's financial intelligence agency warns that illicit cash is being laundered through online gambling sites that provide a variety of ways to disguise shady funds.

WASHINGTON — Canada's international trade minister says the great North American softwood lumber standoff is putting a drag on the continent's already tight housing supply. Mary Ng says Ottawa will contest the U.S.

TORONTO — Canada's Housing Minister is warning that municipalities won't succeed with applications for federal housing accelerator funding unless they are flexible on zoning rules.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,695.02, down 253.07 points): Toronto-Dominion Bank. (TSX:TD). Finance. Down 56 cents, or 0.70 per cent, to $79.88 on 11.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index fell more than 250 points in a broad-based decline Wednesday, while U.S. stock markets also fell. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 253.07 points at 20,695.02.

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street slipped again after a stronger-than-expected report on the U.S. economy weakened hopes that easier interest rates would arrive soon. The S&P 500 fell 0.6% Wednesday, its second straight drop. The Dow fell 0.