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WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump showed little signs of backing down on his plans to tariff the world Thursday — even as members of his administration continued to claim the duties will lead to the negotiation of new trade deals.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index posted modest gains Thursday ahead of the Easter long weekend, led by strength in energy stocks as the price of oil rose, while U.S. markets were mixed.

NEW YORK (AP) — Most U.S. stocks rose, but the worst drop for UnitedHealth Group in a quarter of a century kept Wall Street in check. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1% Thursday even as three-quarters of the stocks within the index climbed.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia says it has cancelled contracts with two American companies and has not renewed agreements with another nine U.S. suppliers in response to the trade war launched by President Donald Trump.

CALGARY — The lead author of a new study pointing to more proof of water on Mars says it brings scientists a step closer to determining whether the planet was ever capable of supporting life.

EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is pausing the procurement policy it announced more than a month ago to fight U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In the fight for the U.S. House, Democrats are hoping pop rock star power will help oust a long-serving Republican east of Los Angeles as the party looks to regain control of the chamber and slow President Donald Trump’s agenda.

RICHMOND — The agency that provides air traffic control for Canada's airports says traffic flow at Vancouver International Airport has resumed normal operations in time for Easter weekend travel.

Microdosing is gaining popularity with a new breed of health seekers. These self-experimenters take a very small amount of psilocybin mushrooms or LSD to try to reduce anxiety, stress and depression.

OTTAWA — The Supreme Court of Canada says it won't hear an appeal by the Alberta government regarding a decision to have its former energy minister questioned in a multibillion-dollar coal mining lawsuit.