National Business

SAN JOSE, Calif.

CALGARY — When a severe storm ripped through parts of southern Ontario on Aug. 26, the old maple tree in Valerie Falcone's front yard was one of the casualties. "I would say half of it was just blown down.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 310,000, a pandemic low and a sign that the surge in COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant has yet to lead to widespread layoffs.

STELLARTON, N.S. — Empire Co. Ltd., which owns the Sobeys and Safeway grocery chains, says it earned $188.5 million in its latest quarter The grocery retailer says its profit amounted to 70 cents per share for the quarter ended July 31.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank says it is dialing back some of its massive emergency pandemic support for the economy.

MONTREAL — Dollarama Inc. reported a second-quarter profit of $146.2 million, up from a profit of $142.5 million in the same quarter last year.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan announced Thursday it is extending a coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and 18 other areas until the end of September as health care systems remain under severe strain, although new infections have slowed slightly.

CALGARY — Suncor Energy Inc. says it is looking to increase its ownership stake in the White Rose offshore oilfield to 40 per cent from 27.5 per cent. Suncor says the deal depends on Cenovus Energy Inc.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,741.79, down 64.84 points.) BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE). Telecommunications. Up 93 cents, or 1.41 per cent, to $66.95 on 10.

VANCOUVER — Lululemon Athletica Inc. boosted its guidance after handily beating expectations in its latest quarter with profits more than doubling on a 61 per cent increase in sales. The Vancouver-based athletic clothing company, which reports in U.