Average weekly earnings in Manitoba are running slightly ahead of the national average after the first two months of this year, Statistics Canada reported Thursday. The federal agency said Manitoba's payroll employees earned an average of $691.20 a week in the first two months of 2007. That was an increase of 3.4 per cent from the total for the first two months of last year, and was the fourth largest percentage gain among the 10 provinces.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (TSX:MFI) profits were sliced by 39 per cent in the first quarter as sales edged up a slim two per cent and the major meat packer and baker booked substantial restructuring charges.