National Business

MONTREAL — Quebecor Inc. reported its first-quarter profit was up compared with a year ago, helped by strength in its telecommunications business. The company says its net income attributable to shareholders totalled $173.

CALGARY — A new survey shows nine out of 10 Canadian energy sector executives believe oil prices will remain strong for the next three to five years.

TOKYO (AP) — Loaves of bread have been taken off store shelves in Japan after the remains of “a small animal” believed to be a rat were found.

MONTREAL — WSP Global expects to continue an acquisition spree this year after snapping up several more companies in the first three months of the year.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index was up more than 150 points, as strength in telecommunication stocks and the base metal sector helped put it into record-high territory in late-morning trading. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 151.

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Space technology firm MDA Ltd. says it earned $13.8 million in net income in its first quarter, down from $16.1 million a year earlier, as its revenue edged higher.

TORONTO — Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd. is the latest retailer to warn of softening consumer demand as high costs of living continue to rein in spending.

TORONTO — Ontario's electricity system operator says it has secured new power supply from 10 battery storage facilities and three natural gas and biogas facilities, which should meet the province's needs until the 2030s.

Norfolk Southern’s CEO will be under more pressure to improve profits after the railroad’s shareholders voted Thursday to elect three of the board members an activist investor nominated, but he won’t be fired right away.

SASKATOON — Nutrien’s chief executive says improved mine automation helped the fertilizer giant increase potash production in the first quarter amid strong demand for its products.