The Financial Post reports in its Thursday, Nov. 16, edition that in its fiscal fourth quarter, Metro recorded an increase in food sales of 6.8 per cent. An unbylined item in the Post reports that Metro's net earnings amounted to $222-million, bringing net earnings for the year up to $1.02-billion. Loblaw recorded sales increases too. Food sales were up 4.5 per cent, bringing net earnings for the year to $1.07-billion. The gains were hard won, said Metro chief executive officer Eric la Fleche. He said: "We are pleased with our fourth quarter results, which were achieved in a challenging operating environment that included a five-week strike at 27 Metro stores in Ontario. For the first time in our history, sales for the year exceeded $20-billion and net earnings reached $1-billion." Loblaw also touted its results. Loblaw chairman Galen Weston said: "Our stores are delivering more value, including deeper discounts on essentials, and customers are responding positively. We remain focused on doing what we can to fight inflation and deliver lower prices for Canadians, while continuing to invest for the future."