National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index was essentially flat Monday as losses in telecom stocks offset gains in energy, while U.S. markets were down ahead of Tuesday's election. Monday was the “calm before the storm” ahead of the U.S.

BCE Inc.'s share price took a hit on Monday after the company announced it has signed a deal to buy U.S. fibre internet provider Ziply Fiber for about $5 billion in cash. Shares in the company closed at $40.47, down $4.34 or around 9.7 per cent.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks drifted ahead of a momentous week full of potential flashpoints, while oil prices climbed and Treasury yields dropped. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% Monday, even though the majority of stocks within the index rose.

HALIFAX — An ambitious target for housing and a replacement for federal carbon pricing are among the major promises contained in the Nova Scotia Liberals' election platform, which commits to $2.3 billion in spending over four years.

OTTAWA — A Conservative MP wants Parliament to undo changes made by the Liberals last year that brought natural health products under the same regulations as pharmaceuticals.

VANCOUVER — Greater Vancouver Realtors says home sales in the region jumped 31.

Risks remain in the mortgage market as a wave of borrowers still have to renew at higher rates, alternative lenders take a growing share of new mortgages and delinquency rates keep creeping up, Canada's housing agency says.

OTTAWA — Dominique Lamothe said the trucking firm she works for will be in trouble once new rules for high-wage temporary foreign workers take effect on Friday.

CPA Canada says it's reached agreements with its Ontario and Quebec counterparts on education, exams and standard-setting for the accounting profession. CPA Ontario and the Quebec CPA Order will officially split from the national organization on Dec.

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government has released a new critical mineral strategy that it says will speed up projects and better involve First Nation communities.