Business

FILE - The Airbnb app icon is displayed on an iPad screen in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2021. Airbnb reports earnings on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Airbnb set to play favourites with listings in bid to improve reliability

Airbnb said that it will roll out what it calls ‘Guest Favorites’ ranking system this week

FILE - The Airbnb app icon is displayed on an iPad screen in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2021. Airbnb reports earnings on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - Yeezy shoes made by Adidas are displayed at Laced Up, a sneaker resale store, in Paramus, N.J., on Oct. 25, 2022. Adidas is releasing a second batch of high-end Yeezy sneakers after cutting ties with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, as the shoemaker seeks to unload the unsold shoes while donating to groups fighting antisemitism. The online sale, to start Wednesday Aug. 2, 2023 through the Confirmed app, Adidas app and adidas.com, follows an earlier batch of sales in May. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Adidas says it may write off remaining unsold Yeezy shoes after breakup with Ye

Adidas said it might have to write off the remaining 300 million…

FILE - Yeezy shoes made by Adidas are displayed at Laced Up, a sneaker resale store, in Paramus, N.J., on Oct. 25, 2022. Adidas is releasing a second batch of high-end Yeezy sneakers after cutting ties with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, as the shoemaker seeks to unload the unsold shoes while donating to groups fighting antisemitism. The online sale, to start Wednesday Aug. 2, 2023 through the Confirmed app, Adidas app and adidas.com, follows an earlier batch of sales in May. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
File - The Instagram logo is seen on a cell phone in Boston, USA, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Facebook and Instagram users in Europe are getting the option to pay for ad-free versions of the social media platforms as a way to comply with the continent’s strict data privacy rules. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)

Former Meta engineering leader to testify before Congress on Instagram’s harms to teens

On the same day whistleblower Frances Haugen was testifying before Congress about…

File - The Instagram logo is seen on a cell phone in Boston, USA, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Facebook and Instagram users in Europe are getting the option to pay for ad-free versions of the social media platforms as a way to comply with the continent’s strict data privacy rules. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
As the deadline to repay pandemic loans and receive partial forgiveness approaches, small businesses are still hoping the federal government will reverse course and extend it for another year. The Peace Tower is pictured from the roof of the Centre Block during a media tour of the Centre Block restoration project on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday, June 22, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Small businesses still pleading for federal pandemic loan extension

$49.2 billion CEBA program scheduled to come due early in the new year

As the deadline to repay pandemic loans and receive partial forgiveness approaches, small businesses are still hoping the federal government will reverse course and extend it for another year. The Peace Tower is pictured from the roof of the Centre Block during a media tour of the Centre Block restoration project on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday, June 22, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
FILE - People pass through Salt Lake City International Airport, June 27, 2022, in Salt Lake City. The cost of travel has fluctuated sharply in recent years, but travelers expecting high prices now might be in for a pleasant surprise. Data show that many travel expenses, including airfare, have decreased recently. Domestic flights in particular have been less expensive, and while international airfare remains elevated, it too is coming down as airlines slowly add more capacity. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file)

Complicated market dealing travellers a mixed hand

Some travel costs flying against general inflation trends

FILE - People pass through Salt Lake City International Airport, June 27, 2022, in Salt Lake City. The cost of travel has fluctuated sharply in recent years, but travelers expecting high prices now might be in for a pleasant surprise. Data show that many travel expenses, including airfare, have decreased recently. Domestic flights in particular have been less expensive, and while international airfare remains elevated, it too is coming down as airlines slowly add more capacity. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file)
Air Canada passengers check in at the Vancouver International Airport on June 17, 2008. Air Canada says the country’s passenger rights overhaul will hardly hurt its bottom line.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Passenger rights overhaul will barely dent bottom line, Air Canada says

‘But certainly it could have some impacts that may still be felt when we look forward’

Air Canada passengers check in at the Vancouver International Airport on June 17, 2008. Air Canada says the country’s passenger rights overhaul will hardly hurt its bottom line.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
FILE - The World Bank building in Washington, Monday, April 5, 2021. The World Bank says oil prices could be pushed into “uncharted waters” if the violence between Israel and Hamas were to escalate. The organization’s Commodity Markets Outlook finds that the effects on oil prices should be limited if the conflict doesn’t widen. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Oil prices could reach ‘uncharted waters’ if the Israel-Hamas war escalates, the World Bank says

The World Bank reported on Monday that oil prices could be pushed…

FILE - The World Bank building in Washington, Monday, April 5, 2021. The World Bank says oil prices could be pushed into “uncharted waters” if the violence between Israel and Hamas were to escalate. The organization’s Commodity Markets Outlook finds that the effects on oil prices should be limited if the conflict doesn’t widen. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
The almond croissant, a partnership between 49 Below and GoodSide Pastry House, is a good example of upcycled ice cream options at the Oak Bay ice cream shop. (File - courtesy 49 Below)

B.C. ice cream maker battles shrinkflation one sweet spoonful at a time

Tax-avoiding 500 ml packages ‘still snack size if you believe it is,’ says 49 Below

The almond croissant, a partnership between 49 Below and GoodSide Pastry House, is a good example of upcycled ice cream options at the Oak Bay ice cream shop. (File - courtesy 49 Below)
A man uses a computer keyboard in Toronto in this Sunday, Oct. 9, 2023 photo illustration. Global accounting firm KPMG says cybercrime is a growing issue in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy

Cyberattacks hit more than half of B.C. businesses last year: survey

KPMG says 54% of small and mid-sized firms reported paying a ransom in the past three years

A man uses a computer keyboard in Toronto in this Sunday, Oct. 9, 2023 photo illustration. Global accounting firm KPMG says cybercrime is a growing issue in Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy
The Teck Resources logo is seen on a podium before the company’s special meeting of shareholders, in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, April 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C.’s Teck says any sale firmly tied to having the authorities onside

Splitting steelmaking coal business from other operations remains focus, year-end decision sought

The Teck Resources logo is seen on a podium before the company’s special meeting of shareholders, in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday, April 26, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Produce is shown at a west-end Toronto Sobeys grocery store on Sunday, June 26, 2023. The House of Commons agriculture committee is asking the heads of Canada’s major grocery chains to testify about their plans to stabilize grocery prices after the federal government announced commitments secured from the grocers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy

Grocers asked to share price stabilization plans with Parliament

Executives to be invited — or ordered — back to Ottawa to address food inflation

Produce is shown at a west-end Toronto Sobeys grocery store on Sunday, June 26, 2023. The House of Commons agriculture committee is asking the heads of Canada’s major grocery chains to testify about their plans to stabilize grocery prices after the federal government announced commitments secured from the grocers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy
This image released by Sony Pictures shows Tom Holland, left, and Benedict Cumberbatch in Columbia Pictures’ “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” (Sony Pictures via AP)

Milwaukee comic shop looking to sell copy of first appearance of Spider-Man, book could go for $35K

A Milwaukee comic book shop is looking to sell a rare copy…

This image released by Sony Pictures shows Tom Holland, left, and Benedict Cumberbatch in Columbia Pictures’ “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” (Sony Pictures via AP)
Cariboo Gold Project regional map

Reigniting B.C.’s Barkerville gold rush still requires some digging

Massive building prime point of contention with new Wells mine near Quesnel

Cariboo Gold Project regional map
A London Drugs store is shown In Vancouver on Wednesday Oct. 18, 2023. London Drugs president Clint Mahlman says the company has no plans to close stores due to escalating violence and theft, though the issue has reached a “crisis point” for Canadian retailers.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nono Shen

No closures planned but London Drugs says escalating violence a concern

Rising crime and related issues around some locations has reached a crisis point: COO

A London Drugs store is shown In Vancouver on Wednesday Oct. 18, 2023. London Drugs president Clint Mahlman says the company has no plans to close stores due to escalating violence and theft, though the issue has reached a “crisis point” for Canadian retailers.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nono Shen
Royal Bank of Canada signage is pictured in the financial district in Toronto, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Royal Bank of Canada is once again defending its proposed takeover of HSBC Canada after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for the government to block the deal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Lahodynskyj

Poilievre wants RBC’s $13.5B takeover of HSBC Canada blocked

Conservative leader says shrinking competitive field won’t help housing affordability

Royal Bank of Canada signage is pictured in the financial district in Toronto, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Royal Bank of Canada is once again defending its proposed takeover of HSBC Canada after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for the government to block the deal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Lahodynskyj
Canada’s premiers have sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asking the federal government to extend the Jan. 18, 2024 repayment period for one more year for interest-free loans to small businesses and not-for-profits. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Eby joins other premiers in plea for small business COVID loan extension

CEBA program slated to come due in January, provinces want another year

Canada’s premiers have sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asking the federal government to extend the Jan. 18, 2024 repayment period for one more year for interest-free loans to small businesses and not-for-profits. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Anurag Sharma’s legal non-conforming unit in the Janion in Victoria. The size of the condo is around 290 square feet. (Photo courtesy of Anurag Sharma)

‘Very hurt’: New Airbnb restrictions spark backlash from B.C. landlords

Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act will force landlords out of the market, some say

Anurag Sharma’s legal non-conforming unit in the Janion in Victoria. The size of the condo is around 290 square feet. (Photo courtesy of Anurag Sharma)
A gas pump at Petro One gas station off Egan Drive (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Long lines at gas pump unlikely, but Middle East crisis could disrupt oil supplies, raise prices

Fifty years after the 1973 Arab oil embargo, the current crisis in…

A gas pump at Petro One gas station off Egan Drive (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Minister of Labour and Seniors Seamus O’Regan speaks to reporters in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. The minister says the government’s latest attempt to prevent disruptive disputes at British Columbia’s ports will lead to change this time. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Ottawa promises to fix ‘time and again’ issues underpinning B.C. port strike

Canada’s labour minister says the federal government’s newest attempt to prevent disruptive…

Minister of Labour and Seniors Seamus O’Regan speaks to reporters in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. The minister says the government’s latest attempt to prevent disruptive disputes at British Columbia’s ports will lead to change this time. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
FILE - A Netflix sign is photographed outside its office building in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Netflix reports earnings on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Netflix password crackdown results in surge of new subscribers

Company announces 8.8 million new accounts added in quarter ending in September

FILE - A Netflix sign is photographed outside its office building in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Netflix reports earnings on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)