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WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans stepped up their purchases at retailers last month as low unemployment, steady pay gains and rising stock and home values helped sustain their willingness to spend despite higher prices. Retail sales rose 0.

Housing affordability is a key issue in the provincial election campaign in British Columbia, particularly in major centres. Here are some statistics about housing in sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½

WINNIPEG — After a lengthy review, Manitoba's NDP government has halted a plan hatched by the former Progressive Conservative government to build new schools in partnership with the private sector.

The Alberta government says long-term care and supportive living programs will no longer be under the purview of the provincial Health Ministry.

CALGARY — sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½'s economic productivity crisis can only be solved if the federal and provincial governments come together to address issues like major project approvals and inter-provincial trade barriers, Alberta's premier said Wednesday.

NEW YORK (AP) — RTX Corporation, the defense contractor formerly known as Raytheon , agreed Wednesday to pay more than $950 million to resolve allegations that it defrauded the government and paid bribes to secure business with Qatar .

TORONTO — Lifelong journalist, broadcaster, author and editor Robert Fulford was remembered Wednesday as a prolific writer whose vibrant intellect and insatiable curiosity inspired colleagues and younger writers alike.

MONTREAL — Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says contract talks at the Port of Montreal have reached an impasse as he tries to convince dockworkers and their employers to reset relations.

TORONTO — sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½'s main stock index gained more than 100 points Wednesday, led by strength in utilities and base metals, while U.S. markets also rose and the Dow Jones hit a record high.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose following better-than-expected profit reports from Morgan Stanley, United Airlines and other big companies. The S&P 500 climbed 0.