National Business

OTTAWA — Home sales in February fell to their lowest level in more than a year as homebuyers stayed on the sidelines amid the uncertainty created by the trade war with the United States, the Canadian Real Estate Association said on Monday.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says the city's response to steep U.S. tariffs on Canada will include barring American companies from bidding on some city contracts and a tax deferral program for industrial properties impacted by the tariffs.

CALGARY — Canadian Pacific Kansas City says about 600 workers represented by the United Steelworkers union have ratified a new four-year collective agreement. The union represents clerical and intermodal employees at the railway in Canada.

Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy protection for a second time as traffic in U.S. shopping malls fades and competition from online retailers like Amazon, Temu and Shein intensifies.

OTTAWA — Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says the annual pace of housing starts in February slowed four per cent compared with January.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov said Monday that he has travelled from France to Dubai as French authorities continue to investigate criminal activity on his messaging app. Durov revealed his whereabouts in a post on his Telegram channel.

BOSTON — New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt says her meeting with the governor of Massachusetts about strengthening the relationship between the province and the state amid the ongoing trade was “productive.

TORONTO — Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week: Hudson's Bay in court Hudson’s Bay is scheduled to be back in court Monday to advance a creditor protection case it launched March 7 amid subdued consumer spending,

OTTAWA — Economists are expecting the annual rate of inflation accelerated in February as the federal government's temporary tax break came to an end mid-month. Statistics Canada is set to release February inflation figures on Tuesday.

Grocers are investing more in the ready-made meal category as consumers balance their desire for convenience with a pullback in discretionary spending.