Liam Casey

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Liam Casey.

Ontario wrote off $1.4 billion of personal protective equipment, auditor finds

Ontario wrote off $1.4 billion of personal protective equipment, auditor finds

TORONTO -- Ontario wrote off more than one billion items of personal protective equipment at a cost of $1.4 billion since 2021, the province's auditor general found.

Ontario signs deal with Marten Falls First Nation to fast track road to Ring of Fire

Ontario signs deal with Marten Falls First Nation to fast track road to Ring of Fire

TORONTO -- Another northern Ontario First Nation has signed a partnership deal with the province to fast track construction on the road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire.

Passage of housing bill sparks protest, clearing of Queen's Park public gallery

Passage of housing bill sparks protest, clearing of Queen's Park public gallery

TORONTO -- Shouts and chants rained down upon politicians at the Ontario legislature Monday as the government passed a housing bill that critics say makes it easier for landlords to evict tenants.

Vianode to build $3.2-billion graphite plant for EVs in southwestern Ontario

Vianode to build $3.2-billion graphite plant for EVs in southwestern Ontario

A Norwegian company is investing $3.2 billion to build a synthetic graphite plant in southwestern Ontario.

Ontario NDP leader kicked out of question period after calling Ford government 'corrupt'

Ontario NDP leader kicked out of question period after calling Ford government 'corrupt'

TORONTO -- The leader of Ontario's official Opposition was kicked out of question period this morning after calling Premier Doug Ford's government "corrupt."

Premier Doug Ford says he threatened to beat up Home Depot shoplifter

Premier Doug Ford says he threatened to beat up Home Depot shoplifter

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he threatened to beat up a Home Depot shoplifter over the summer.

'We need to get them out': Beluga trainer fired by Marineland speaks out

'We need to get them out': Beluga trainer fired by Marineland speaks out

TORONTO -- Marineland's crumbling infrastructure, staffing shortage and lack of resources have created dangerous conditions for its belugas and they should be moved immediately, a fired beluga trainer says.

Ottawa, Ontario urge each other to help Marineland's belugas amid euthanasia threat

Ottawa, Ontario urge each other to help Marineland's belugas amid euthanasia threat

TORONTO -- The federal and Ontario governments are urging each other to help 30 belugas at Marineland, which has threatened to euthanize the whales if the park does not receive emergency funds from Ottawa.

Marineland's request for federal funds to care for belugas 'inappropriate': minister

Marineland's request for federal funds to care for belugas 'inappropriate': minister

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson says Marineland's request for emergency funding, in a letter that warned 30 belugas at the park will otherwise be euthanized, is "inappropriate."

Marineland asks Ottawa for emergency cash to feed whales -- or euthanasia imminent

Marineland asks Ottawa for emergency cash to feed whales -- or euthanasia imminent

Marineland has asked Ottawa for emergency funding to feed and care for its whales, saying euthanasia is otherwise imminent.

Toronto hospital housing model 'a gift' to residents as ER visits reduced by half

Toronto hospital housing model 'a gift' to residents as ER visits reduced by half

TORONTO -- Every time Jason Miles walked out of prison, he would be bigger, stronger and meaner.

Marineland decries Ottawa decision to bar export of remaining beluga whales to China

Marineland decries Ottawa decision to bar export of remaining beluga whales to China

TORONTO -- Marineland says it is "profoundly" disappointed by the federal government's decision to deny its request to ship 30 belugas to China.

Ottawa denies Marineland request to export its remaining beluga whales to China

Ottawa denies Marineland request to export its remaining beluga whales to China

Ottawa has denied a request from Marineland to send its remaining beluga whales to China, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said Wednesday

Ontario ends 2024-25 with lower deficit than predicted, enacts agency hiring freeze

Ontario ends 2024-25 with lower deficit than predicted, enacts agency hiring freeze

TORONTO -- Ontario wrapped up the 2024-25 fiscal year with a significantly lower deficit than initially projected in the budget, yet the province will implement a modified hiring freeze in an effort to control ballooning agencies, Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney said Friday.

'It's just terrible over there,' Premier Doug Ford says of Marineland

'It's just terrible over there,' Premier Doug Ford says of Marineland

VAUGHAN -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the situation at Marineland is "terrible" for the 30 belugas that remain there, the last captive whales in Canada.

Ontario set to begin building road to the Ring of Fire

Ontario set to begin building road to the Ring of Fire

TORONTO -- Ontario is set to begin building the road to the Ring of Fire.

Eglinton Crosstown light rail project in Toronto delayed again

Eglinton Crosstown light rail project in Toronto delayed again

TORONTO -- A major transit project in Toronto has been delayed yet again.

Another beluga and a seal have died at Marineland. The deaths caught Doug Ford's attention

Another beluga and a seal have died at Marineland. The deaths caught Doug Ford's attention

Another beluga whale and a harbour seal have died at Marineland, and those deaths have caught the attention of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, The Canadian Press has learned.

Ford to maintain U.S. booze ban until tariffs removed or new trade deal reached

Ford to maintain U.S. booze ban until tariffs removed or new trade deal reached

CALEDON -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will maintain his ban on American booze despite Canada dropping some retaliatory tariffs in the ongoing trade war with the United States.

Construction on Highway 413 to start soon, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says

Construction on Highway 413 to start soon, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says

CALEDON -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says construction on Highway 413 north of Toronto will begin within days.

Ontario to ban research testing on dogs and cats, premier says

Ontario to ban research testing on dogs and cats, premier says

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he will ban testing on dogs and cats.

Toronto community services face 'absolute fallout' of consumption site closures

Toronto community services face 'absolute fallout' of consumption site closures

TORONTO -- A great shift is underway in Toronto months after the closures of several supervised consumption sites, as their users seek alternatives and drop-in centres see an alarming jump in overdoses.

Ontario officially cancels Starlink contract, won't say how much that cost taxpayers

Ontario officially cancels Starlink contract, won't say how much that cost taxpayers

TORONTO -- Ontario has officially cancelled its $100-million contract with Starlink, but the province refuses to say how much it cost taxpayers to get out of the deal.

Ontario launching $260-million round of funding for skills development

Ontario launching $260-million round of funding for skills development

TORONTO -- Ontario has opened up applications for a $260-million round of funding to train workers.

Doug Ford walks back pledge to issue work permits to asylum seekers

Doug Ford walks back pledge to issue work permits to asylum seekers

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford has walked back last week's pledge to issue work permits to asylum seekers.

Premiers call for improved relationship with China during trade war with the U.S.

Premiers call for improved relationship with China during trade war with the U.S.

Huntsville, Ontario, Canada -- Canada's premiers have called on the federal government to improve the country's relationship with China in the face of the ongoing trade war with the U.S.

Premiers entering final day of meetings with public safety, internal trade on agenda

Premiers entering final day of meetings with public safety, internal trade on agenda

Canada's premiers are set to meet for the third and final day of their gathering in Ontario's cottage country, with internal trade, public safety and health care on the agenda.

Prime Minister Carney to update premiers on U.S. trade talks as Aug. 1 deadline looms

Prime Minister Carney to update premiers on U.S. trade talks as Aug. 1 deadline looms

HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to update the premiers on the state of trade talks with the U.S. as they sat down to meet in Ontario's cottage country Tuesday morning with an Aug. 1 deadline looming.

Trade war to dominate meeting with premiers, prime minister

Trade war to dominate meeting with premiers, prime minister

TORONTO -- The growing trade war with the United States will be top of the agenda when Canada's premiers meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney today.

Ontario environment minister apologizes for 'confusion' over clean water bill letter

Ontario environment minister apologizes for 'confusion' over clean water bill letter

TORONTO -- Ontario's environment minister has apologized to First Nation chiefs for any "confusion" his letter caused when he asked the federal government to not reintroduce a bill that would enshrine clean drinking water rights in law.

First Nations call for Ontario environment minister's resignation

First Nations call for Ontario environment minister's resignation

TORONTO -- Several dozen First Nations in Ontario are calling for the resignation of the province's environment minister after he asked the federal government to not reintroduce a bill that would enshrine clean drinking water rights in law.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford pitches railway to Ring of Fire, Alberta is on board

Ontario Premier Doug Ford pitches railway to Ring of Fire, Alberta is on board

Ontario signed an agreement with Alberta to build infrastructure and energy corridors that include a possible railway to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region, the premiers of both provinces announced on Monday.

Ontario First Nation slowed down traffic on Trans-Canada Highway over mining laws

Ontario First Nation slowed down traffic on Trans-Canada Highway over mining laws

A northern Ontario First Nation has completed a four-day demonstration that slowed down traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, as it protests fast-tracked federal and provincial legislation designed to speed up mining and development.

Ontario expanding publicly funded hip and knee surgeries done in private clinics

Ontario expanding publicly funded hip and knee surgeries done in private clinics

TORONTO -- Ontario is expanding the delivery of publicly paid orthopedic surgeries through private clinics in an effort to reduce wait-lists.

Ontario expanding publicly funded private surgical and diagnostic centres

Ontario expanding publicly funded private surgical and diagnostic centres

Ontario is expanding its suite of publicly funded private community surgical and diagnostic centres.

Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire

Two First Nations setting up encampment near proposed bridge to Ring of Fire

A political decision one thousand kilometres from Jeronimo Kataquapit's home in a remote First Nation near James Bay set the course for his summer.

Doug Ford says he treats First Nations 'like gold' but they 'keep coming hat in hand'

Doug Ford says he treats First Nations 'like gold' but they 'keep coming hat in hand'

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is willing to give First Nations what they want for their support in developing mines, but they cannot "keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government" for more money.

Ring of Fire road to bring prosperity to First Nation, problems for caribou: report

Ring of Fire road to bring prosperity to First Nation, problems for caribou: report

TORONTO -- A proposed road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario will bring economic prosperity to Webequie First Nation, though it may endanger caribou in the region, a newly released assessment finds.

Two First Nations working on roads to Ring of Fire do not support new mining law

Two First Nations working on roads to Ring of Fire do not support new mining law

TORONTO -- Two First Nations in and around the Ring of Fire that signed deals with the provincial government are speaking out against a new Ontario law.

More than 2,200 died of opioids in Ontario last year as numbers trend downward: data

More than 2,200 died of opioids in Ontario last year as numbers trend downward: data

TORONTO -- More than 2,200 Ontarians died from opioids last year, a 15 per cent decrease from 2023, newly released data from the Office of the Chief Coroner shows.

Last-minute changes to Ontario mining bill are not good enough, First Nations say

Last-minute changes to Ontario mining bill are not good enough, First Nations say

TORONTO -- Last-minute changes to a controversial Ontario mining bill are not good enough and ignore a central plea to work together on drafting legislation, First Nations said Thursday.

Ontario to amend mining bill, add Indigenous economic zones amid First Nations uproar

Ontario to amend mining bill, add Indigenous economic zones amid First Nations uproar

TORONTO -- Premier Doug Ford's government is set to capitulate to some First Nation demands on a controversial mining bill, though it will not kill the proposed law outright, The Canadian Press has learned.

CP NewsAlert: Ontario will amend mining bill amid uproar from First Nations

CP NewsAlert: Ontario will amend mining bill amid uproar from First Nations

TORONTO -- Premier Doug Ford's government is set to capitulate to some First Nation demands on a controversial mining bill, though it will not kill the proposed law outright, The Canadian Press has learned.

Road, rail and mine blockades could be on horizon over Ontario mining bill: chiefs

Road, rail and mine blockades could be on horizon over Ontario mining bill: chiefs

TORONTO -- Road, rail and mine blockades could be on the horizon as First Nations ratchet up pressure on the Ontario government to kill a proposed bill that seeks to speed up large mining projects in the north.

Toronto Zoo warns of extinctions if Ontario mining bill becomes law

Toronto Zoo warns of extinctions if Ontario mining bill becomes law

TORONTO -- Species could go extinct if Ontario passes a controversial mining bill that is set to transform its approach to endangered species and the environment, the Toronto Zoo warned the province.

Mining claims in Ring of Fire up 66 per cent over past 3 years: environmental group

Mining claims in Ring of Fire up 66 per cent over past 3 years: environmental group

TORONTO -- Mining claims in the Ring of Fire region are up 66 per cent over the last three years and now total an area 14 times the size of Toronto, an environmental group said Wednesday after compiling the data.

Vintners and brewers thrilled with supports in Ontario budget

Vintners and brewers thrilled with supports in Ontario budget

TORONTO -- Ontario's vintners and brewers say they are thrilled with the support provided by the province in its latest budget.

Ontario to spend hundreds of millions to boost alcohol sector

Ontario to spend hundreds of millions to boost alcohol sector

TORONTO -- Ontario plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars boosting the province's alcohol sector, including programs to support grape farmers, wineries, distilleries and craft breweries.

Ontario health minister defends province's approach amid worsening measles outbreak

Ontario health minister defends province's approach amid worsening measles outbreak

Health Minister Sylvia Jones is defending the province's record against measles as new infections rise sharply.

Faqiri family demands answers on implementing coroner inquest recommendations

Faqiri family demands answers on implementing coroner inquest recommendations

TORONTO -- The family of a mentally ill man who died in a provincial jail is demanding to know if the Ontario government has implemented any recommendations that came out of a coroner's inquest, saying they believe nothing has been done.

Ontario to spend $750 million on STEM programs at universities, colleges

Ontario to spend $750 million on STEM programs at universities, colleges

TORONTO -- Ontario says it will invest $750 million to boost funding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs at colleges and universities across the province.

'Go Leafs go!' Doug Ford says as Maple Leafs, Senators set to battle in NHL playoffs

'Go Leafs go!' Doug Ford says as Maple Leafs, Senators set to battle in NHL playoffs

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he hopes a Canadian team wins the Stanley Cup, but he really wants the Maple Leafs do it.

Ontario open to compromise with Toronto on bike lane removals

Ontario open to compromise with Toronto on bike lane removals

TORONTO -- Ontario is open to a compromise with the City of Toronto on plans to remove three bicycle lanes, the transportation minister's office said.

Ontario judge seeking clarity on facts in supervised consumption site legal challenge

Ontario judge seeking clarity on facts in supervised consumption site legal challenge

TORONTO -- The Ontario judge overseeing the legal challenge of the province's ban on supervised consumption sites that are within 200 metres of schools and daycares says he's concerned he does not have all the facts to decide the case.

Ontario judge recalls lawyers in supervised consumption site case

Ontario judge recalls lawyers in supervised consumption site case

TORONTO -- In an unexpected move, an Ontario judge has asked lawyers to return to court today in the challenge to a new provincial law that bans supervised consumption sites within 200 metres of schools or daycares.

Ontario to spend $35M to help rebuild Shaw Festival's Royal George Theatre

Ontario to spend $35M to help rebuild Shaw Festival's Royal George Theatre

TORONTO -- Ontario will spend $35 million to help the Shaw Festival rebuild the Royal George Theatre.

Nine Ontario supervised consumption sites to close despite injunction, minister says

Nine Ontario supervised consumption sites to close despite injunction, minister says

TORONTO -- The Ontario provincial government says nine supervised consumption sites will close Tuesday as planned, despite a recent court injunction allowing them to remain open temporarily.

Ontario consumption sites free to relocate, court hears, but minister says otherwise

Ontario consumption sites free to relocate, court hears, but minister says otherwise

TORONTO -- Ontario's new law on supervised consumption sites does not ban them entirely and those deemed too close to schools and daycares are free to relocate farther away, government lawyers argued Tuesday as a court considers a Charter challenge of the legislation.

Ontario consumption sites free to relocate, court hears, contrary to past statements

Ontario consumption sites free to relocate, court hears, contrary to past statements

TORONTO -- Lawyers for the province say Ontario's new law on supervised consumption sites does not ban them entirely and those deemed too close to schools and daycares are free to relocate farther away.

Toronto supervised consumption site challenging Ontario law that will close 10 sites

Toronto supervised consumption site challenging Ontario law that will close 10 sites

TORONTO -- Dozens of supporters packed a Toronto courtroom - and two overflow rooms - on Monday as a supervised consumption site challenged the legality of a new provincial law that will soon shut down 10 such sites and prevent new ones from opening.