TORONTO, March 3 Canada's main stock index hit a 2016 high on Thursday as energy stocks rose despite a petered out oil rally, and other resource stocks gained as commodity prices more generally reflected increased confidence in prospects for global growth. Among the gainers was Canadian Natural Resources Ltd , which surged 8.9 percent to C$32.85 after it reduced its 2016 capital expenditure plan and eyed further cuts in the future.