The TSX is down 105 points at midday on mixed sectors.
The biggest gainer is the healthcare sector, up 3.2%, led by strong gains in cannabis stocks. On Thursday, the expert panel convened by the federal government to study the legislation that made cannabis legal on Thursday released its final report.
Among the 54 recommendations, the panel urged Finance Canada to consider a new model that would increase excise taxes on products with high quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol, and lower fees on those with smaller amounts. The panel also recommended that Health Canada reduce the financial and administrative burden it places on participants in the legal industry, as there appears to be room to revise certain regulatory requirements without compromising public health or public safety.
Telecoms is the biggest decliner, shedding 1.5%.
Statistics Canada on Friday released data showing that retail sales were down 0.3% to $67 billion in…
