Here are the CP Business Department's plans for today and the top business stories so far. All times Eastern unless otherwise stated. All ETAs and wordcounts approximate. Entries are subject to change as news develops.

If you have any questions, please contact Kate Hopwood at 416-507-2151 or kate.hopwood@thecanadianpress.com, or Jody White at jody.white@thecanadianpress.com. You can always reach the desk at business@thecanadianpress.com or 416-507-2138.

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TOP STORIES:

Bank of Canada outlines rate hike plan

BOC-Speech-Macklem

Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says the central bank plans to increase interest rates before it reduces the size of its government bond holdings, although its timing on the rate hike will depend on the economic recovery. By Salmaan Farooqui. Words: 527, Photos: 1

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Transat AT says demand 'steady' for winter travel

Transat-Rslts

Calgary, Alberta, Canada -- Transat AT Inc. has seen steady customer demand since resuming flights earlier this summer, but the travel company said Thursday it still doesn't expect to return to its pre-pandemic level before 2023. By Amanda Stephenson. Words: 703, Photos: 1

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Canadian banks look to U.S. for growth

Bank-CEO-Summit

Toronto, Ontario, Canada -- Canadian bank CEOs say they are looking to grow their U.S. operations as the country shows a strong economic rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. By Ian Bickis. Words: 647, Photos: 1

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Tree on your property? Check your insurance policy

Money-Monitor

Calgary, Alberta, Canada -- When a severe storm ripped through parts of southern Ontario on Aug. 26, the old maple tree in Valerie Falcone's front yard was one of the casualties. By Amanda Stephenson. Words: 740, Photos: 1

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Empire reports $188.5M first-quarter profit

Empire-Rslts

Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada -- Empire Co. Ltd., which owns the Sobeys and Safeway grocery chains, says it earned $188.5 million in its latest quarter Words: 175, Photos: 1

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Dollarama reports Q2 profit and sales up

Dollarama-Rslts

Montreal, Quebec, Canada -- Dollarama Inc. reported a second-quarter profit of $146.2 million, up from a profit of $142.5 million in the same quarter last year. Words: 160

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Tech sector gains help S&P/TSX composite edge up

Dollar-Markets

Toronto, Ontario, Canada -- Canada's main stock index crept higher in late-morning trading, as gains in the technology sector helped lead the way, while U.S. stock markets also rose. Words: 153, Photos: 1

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