National Business

TORONTO — North American stock markets edged higher Tuesday as hopes of a new U.S. stimulus deal offset concerns about mounting COVID-19 infections and new lockdowns.

Air Canada will be cutting more routes in Atlantic Canada starting in the new year because of a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Effective Jan. 11, the airline says it will be suspending until further notice all flights in Sydney, N.S.

The average Canadian family will pay up to an extra $695 for food next year, as the pandemic, wildfires and changing consumer habits drive up grocery bills to the highest increase ever predicted by an annual food price report.

CALGARY — The Alberta Securities Commission says Saint Jean Carbon Inc.

MONTREAL — Quebec-based security firm Garda World has been outbid in its effort to acquire British competitor G4S by a U.S. company partially owned by the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec.

LONDON — The leaders of Britain and the European Commission will make a last-minute push for a post-Brexit U.K.

High tides flooded St. Mark’s Square in Venice on Tuesday, propelled by winds that were stronger than predicted, and an experimental system of inflatable barriers wasn’t activated to prevent water from invading the lagoon city.

CALGARY — Returns to shareholders will be a higher priority as Enbridge Inc. completes its large capital projects, company executives told investors Tuesday, punctuating the strategy with an increase in its dividend.

Tesla is looking to raise up to $5 billion in capital through a stock offering as the electrical vehicle and solar panel maker seeks to take advantage of strong demand for its products. This is the second such move for the company in three months.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Healthcare software provider PointClickCare Technologies Inc. has announced its intention to buy Collective Medical for an undisclosed sum. Mississauga, Ont.