National Business

TORONTO — When the federal government teased its $82-billion relief plan for Canadian businesses and workers impacted by COVID-19, Toronto jewelry manufacturer Jewels4Ever was anxious to hear more.

VICTORIA — The B.C. government stepped up its efforts under the Emergency Program Act on Thursday to ensure, among other things, that goods and services are getting to those who need them.

VANCOUVER — SSR Mining Inc. says more than 300 workers will be affected by its decision to suspend operations at the Seabee gold mine in northern Saskatchewan until April 30 due to the threat of COVID-19.

Demand for dairy products at retail stores has spiked amid the COVID-19 outbreak while orders from food-service operators have fallen, said executives at dairy processor Saputo Inc .

OTTAWA — Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. is expanding its insured mortgage purchase program to $150 billion as part of its response to the COVID-19 crisis.

WASHINGTON — The economy grew by a moderate 2.1% in the fourth quarter of last year, but many economists believe that will be the last positive growth seen for some time as the country endures a sharp contraction due to the coronavirus.

VANCOUVER — Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. says its San Jose silver and gold mine in southwestern Mexico is resuming operations today.

BERLIN — Locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic, the nightclubs in the German capital have decided to keep the beat going — at least online. Berlin's nightclubs were closed March 13 to help slow the spread of the virus.

NEW YORK — A fixture on television, actress Julie Bowen of “Modern Family” is doing the same thing as millions of other people during the widespread coronavirus shutdown. She's sitting at home, watching more television than she normally would.

TORONTO — Centerra Gold Inc. is suspending open pit mining at its Oksut project in Turkey in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The suspension of work at the project starting March 31 is for an initial period of two weeks.