National Business

TORONTO — Patrick Watson can't be easily bought. While many have offered heaps of money to license the Montreal musician's acclaimed work over the years, he says there are certain ethical lines he refused to cross.

OTTAWA — Defence Minister Bill Blair came to the country's largest defence industry trade show on Wednesday to announce billions of dollars in training and equipment deals for the armed forces, and faced yet more questions about Canada's commitment t

MONTREAL — A Quebec-based entertainment group says it has reached an agreement with Just for Laughs to acquire "select" assets from the financially troubled comedy company.

CALGARY — Pilots at WestJet's regional carrier could be going on strike at the beginning of June.

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government promised new money Wednesday to fight a spike in violence and retail theft that has seen workers in some cases assaulted and injured.

TORONTO — Workers at a Nestle plant in Toronto have ratified a new contract after a strike that lasted more than three weeks.

TORONTO — BMO Financial Group shares fell almost nine per cent Wednesday after the bank reported results that missed expectations on higher loan-loss provisions and U.S. growth issues. The bank, which significantly expanded its U.S.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index fell 1.6 per cent Wednesday in a broad-based decline, while U.S. stock markets also fell. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 367.07 points at 21,897.98.

WINNIPEG — Shares of Ag Growth International Inc. closed up more than 11 per cent Wednesday after the company said it had rejected an unsolicited takeover offer. AGI shares closed up $5.13, or 11.15 per cent, to $51.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (21,897.98, down 367.07 points): Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Down $1.07, or 1.93 per cent, to $54.47 on 16.0 million shares.