National Business

TORONTO — The decision by Apple to close some U.S. stores again over rising COVID-19 infections spooked investors and sent most North American stock markets lower to end the week. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up down 5.63 points at 15,474.

HALIFAX — An idled Nova Scotia pulp mill says it has received an "initial order" giving it protection from its creditors as it attempts to restructure its finances and affairs.

CHELSEA, Que. — Grocery store employees who continued to work during the COVID-19 pandemic are "heroes" and should be properly compensated, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Friday.

European Union regulators are suspending their investigation into Air Canada's proposed purchase of Transat AT pending the arrival of more data from the two Canadian travel companies.

FRANKFURT — The chief executive of German payment service provider Wirecard AG resigned on Friday after the company disclosed that auditors could not find 1.9 billion euros ($2.

Canadian exports of crude oil by rail dropped by more than half in April compared to March as North American fuel demand plunged due to measures taken to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

OTTAWA — SNC-Lavalin Inc. will pay Ottawa $1.9 million for rigging bids on municipal infrastructure contracts in Quebec as part of a federal settlement.

MONTREAL — Quebec's securities regulator has filed civil charges against three residents over the illegal sale of virtual currency called PlexCoin.

TORONTO — The head of Unifor says he has been assured by Ontario's premier that the province will not proceed with a plan to cut statutory holidays for retail workers.

CALGARY — Oil and gas producer Bonavista Energy Corp. is proposing a deal with lenders that would eliminate about half of its outstanding debt but leave existing shareholders with only seven per cent of the company.