National Business

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is launching a compulsory skilled trades certification system that it says will strengthen economic recovery by addressing labour shortages and supporting higher-paying, more stable jobs.

OTTAWA — The minority Liberal government pushed forward a key piece of its legislative agenda Friday, as a House of Commons committee wrapped up clause-by-clause review of a bill to give Canada more regulatory power over digital streaming platforms.

Statistics Canada said Friday that household financial assets rose for a fourth consecutive quarter and the debt-to-income ratio fell, but some economists predict the gains may slow down as the economy reopens and spending ramps up.

The low-cost fashion brand Forever 21 will have its full collections available at certain Hudson's Bay Co. stores across the country, as the U.S.-brand returns to the Canadian market.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has asked for an internal investigation after revelations that former President Donald Trump's administration seized phone data from House Democrats in 2018 as part of an aggressive leaks investigation.

MONTREAL — Insolvent beverage company DavidsTea Inc. says creditors have approved its plan of arrangement to distribute about $18 million to them in Canada and the U.S.

The clothing brand Forever 21 is making a return to the Canadian market after an agreement with Hudson's Bay Co. allowing them to offer collections inside the department store.

U.S.

CALGARY — Tourmaline Oil Corp. says it has signed a deal to buy Black Swan Energy Ltd. in a deal worth $1.1 billion in stock and debt.

TORONTO — Roots Corp. reported a loss of $4.9 million in its latest quarter as its sales rose nearly 25 per cent compared with a year ago at the start of the pandemic.