National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration plans to eliminate the IRS' Direct File program, an electronic system for filing tax returns directly to the agency for free, according to two people familiar with the decision.

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday as it waits to get a clearer picture of how global trade uncertainty is going to impact the Canadian economy. The central bank held its policy rate steady at 2.

RICHMOND — WorkSafeBC is urging builders to take steps to prevent workers from falling on construction sites after more than 1,000 injuries were reported in the province last year.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday inserted himself directly into trade talks with Japanese officials , a sign of the high stakes for the United States after its tariffs rattled the economy and caused the administration to assure t

NEW YORK (AP) — Spotify experienced a widespread outage Wednesday — with tens of thousands of users reporting problems with the popular music and audio streamer. But the platform said it was back up and running hours later.

TORONTO — Ontario has tabled legislation to make trade between provinces easier, as a way to shore up the economy against the effects of American tariffs.

CALGARY — Crude oil pipeline operator South Bow Corp. says its Keystone system has restarted after a rupture last week in North Dakota.

CALGARY — Parkland Corp. says its chief executive is planning to step down as activist shareholders push for sweeping changes at the fuel refiner and retailer.

TORONTO — A business group representing manufacturers is calling for less regulation and lower taxes as part of its policy recommendations to support a sector under threat from U.S. tariffs.

TORONTO — Real estate watchers say the Bank of Canada's decision to hold its key policy rate steady at 2.75 per cent will likely keep a sluggish housing market at the status quo.