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.

Several First Nations sign deal with Ottawa, Ontario to own part of a nuclear reactor

Several First Nations sign deal with Ottawa, Ontario to own part of a nuclear reactor

Several Ontario First Nations are set to become owners of a new nuclear reactor after striking a commercial partnership with the federal and provincial governments. Ottawa and Ontario are providing loan guarantees of $700 million to the seven Williams Treaties First Nations east of Toronto that will turn into equity for one of the four small modular reactors that are...

Several First Nations sign deal with Ottawa, Ontario to own part of a nuclear reactor

Several First Nations sign deal with Ottawa, Ontario to own part of a nuclear reactor

Several Ontario First Nations are set to become owners of a new nuclear reactor after striking a commercial partnership with the federal and provincial governments.

Housing advocate Eric Lombardi enters Ontario Liberal leadership race

Housing advocate Eric Lombardi enters Ontario Liberal leadership race

TORONTO -- A housing advocate has entered the Ontario Liberal Party leadership race.

Ottawa endorses plan to move Marineland's whales to U.S. and Spain

Ottawa endorses plan to move Marineland's whales to U.S. and Spain

TORONTO -- Ottawa has endorsed a plan to move Canada's last remaining captive whales to aquariums in the U.S. and Spain.

Ontario Liberal caucus member Rob Cerjanec enters party leadership race

Ontario Liberal caucus member Rob Cerjanec enters party leadership race

Ontario Liberal caucus member Rob Cerjanec has tossed his hat into the party's leadership race.?? The rookie legislator who won the Ajax riding in 2025 will be running under the slogan "Let's Build Ontario" and he pledges to rebuild the party.? Cerjanec says he will focus on affordability measures and improving the education and health-care systems.

Ontario Liberal caucus member Rob Cerjanec enters party leadership race

Ontario Liberal caucus member Rob Cerjanec enters party leadership race

TORONTO -- Ontario Liberal caucus member Rob Cerjanec has tossed his hat into the party's leadership race.??

Ontario's solicitor general defends new powers to direct police boards

Ontario's solicitor general defends new powers to direct police boards

TORONTO -- Ontario's solicitor general is defending the new powers he is giving himself to direct police boards to follow provincial priorities.

Former federal cabinet member Navdeep Bains enters Ontario Liberal leadership race

Former federal cabinet member Navdeep Bains enters Ontario Liberal leadership race

TORONTO -- Former federal cabinet member Navdeep Bains has entered the Ontario Liberal leadership race.

Former federal cabinet member Navdeep Bains enters Ontario Liberal leadership race

Former federal cabinet member Navdeep Bains enters Ontario Liberal leadership race

Former federal cabinet member Navdeep Bains has entered the Ontario Liberal leadership race. Bains worked as a science and industry minister in Justin Trudeau's government before leaving politics in 2021. He recently resigned as an executive from Rogers in order to explore a provincial Liberal leadership bid. Bains has released a 16-second video on social media that shows him walking...

Ontario to name high-risk offenders on new website launching next year

Ontario to name high-risk offenders on new website launching next year

TORONTO -- Ontario Provincial Police are set to launch a website next year that will name high-risk offenders.

Judge's ruling on Ontario encampment 'cockamamie,' Premier Doug Ford says

Judge's ruling on Ontario encampment 'cockamamie,' Premier Doug Ford says

Premier Doug Ford says an Ontario judge's recent decision barring the Region of Waterloo from removing people from a homeless encampment is "cockamamie."

Island airport expansion will cost up to $5 billion, Toronto Port Authority says

Island airport expansion will cost up to $5 billion, Toronto Port Authority says

TORONTO -- The Toronto Port Authority says the proposed island airport expansion will cost up to $5 billion.

Toronto island airport expansion would lead to severe traffic, committee hears

Toronto island airport expansion would lead to severe traffic, committee hears

TORONTO -- Toronto's waterfront secretariat says the province's plans to redevelop Ontario Place and expand the airport on the Toronto Islands will create severe traffic and transit congestion and could lead to degradation of the water quality in the harbour.

Ontario to expand jail capacity by 2,500 beds over 10 years at a cost of $3 billion

Ontario to expand jail capacity by 2,500 beds over 10 years at a cost of $3 billion

TORONTO -- Ontario's solicitor general says the province will expand its jails by 2,500 beds over the next 10 years at a cost of $3 billion to the taxpayers.

Ontario spent nearly $200k in aviation-related costs for returned private jet: docs

Ontario spent nearly $200k in aviation-related costs for returned private jet: docs

TORONTO -- Ontario taxpayers are on the hook for nearly $200,000 over Premier Doug Ford's flip-flop on a $28.9-million private jet purchase, newly released documents from the premier's office show.

Ontario inspecting commercial truck driver colleges after scathing audit: minister

Ontario inspecting commercial truck driver colleges after scathing audit: minister

TORONTO -- Ontario's minister of colleges and universities says all of the career colleges that offer commercial truck driver training will be inspected in the next six weeks.

Ontario auditor general finds problems with medical AI transcription tool

Ontario auditor general finds problems with medical AI transcription tool

TORONTO -- Ontario's auditor general says the province's new artificial intelligence transcription services for doctors are at risk of providing inaccurate information and outright hallucinations.

Commercial trucker training and licensing problematic in Ontario: auditor general

Commercial trucker training and licensing problematic in Ontario: auditor general

TORONTO -- Ontario is not effectively monitoring commercial truck driver training and licensing regimes, leading to many unqualified drivers on the roads, the province's auditor general found in a special report released Tuesday.

Ontario Liberal MPP Lee Fairclough enters party's nascent leadership race

Ontario Liberal MPP Lee Fairclough enters party's nascent leadership race

TORONTO -- Ontario Liberal legislator Lee Fairclough has announced her bid for the party's leadership.

Ontario will not take over entirety of Toronto Islands: transportation minister

Ontario will not take over entirety of Toronto Islands: transportation minister

TORONTO -- The province says it will not take over the entirety of the Toronto Islands despite the language of its proposed legislation.

Six mistakenly released inmates still at large, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says

Six mistakenly released inmates still at large, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says

TORONTO -- Premier Doug Ford says six inmates mistakenly released from Ontario's jails remain at large.

Ontario's solicitor general sorry for saying improperly released inmates were caught

Ontario's solicitor general sorry for saying improperly released inmates were caught

TORONTO -- Ontario's solicitor general and his No. 2 have apologized for "inadvertently" saying officials apprehended all 157 criminals who were mistakenly released from the province's jails over the past five years.

'Gravy plane': Ontario buys used $28.9-million jet for Premier Doug Ford

'Gravy plane': Ontario buys used $28.9-million jet for Premier Doug Ford

Ontario taxpayers are footing the bill for a $29-million private jet for Premier Doug Ford's use, a purchase opposition leaders say is a waste of money. The premier's office said the province purchased a used 2016 Bombardier Challenger 650 jet for $28.9 million. It will operate out of Toronto's Pearson International Airport. "As part of the job of being premier...

'Gravy plane': Ontario buys used $28.9-million jet for Premier Doug Ford

'Gravy plane': Ontario buys used $28.9-million jet for Premier Doug Ford

TORONTO -- Ontario taxpayers are footing the bill for a $29-million private jet for Premier Doug Ford's use, a purchase opposition leaders say is a waste of money.

Ontario buys used $28.9-million jet for Premier Doug Ford

Ontario buys used $28.9-million jet for Premier Doug Ford

TORONTO -- Ontario has bought an almost $29-million private jet for Premier Doug Ford's use.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford defends plan to increase jail capacity by thousands

Ontario Premier Doug Ford defends plan to increase jail capacity by thousands

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended his government's plan to build many more jails, saying the billions in cost will be worth it.

Ontario plans massive jail expansion, internal government documents show

Ontario plans massive jail expansion, internal government documents show

TORONTO -- Ontario is planning a massive expansion of jails over the next few decades, The Canadian Press has learned.

Environmental groups launch constitutional challenge over Ontario's special economic zones

Environmental groups launch constitutional challenge over Ontario's special economic zones

TORONTO -- Several environmental groups have launched a constitutional challenge seeking to kill an Ontario law that allows cabinet to suspend other laws.

Ontario delays path to balance, pumps billions into research and innovation in budget

Ontario delays path to balance, pumps billions into research and innovation in budget

Ontario is delaying a path to balance once more, as one of several shock absorbers meant to ease the province down a potentially bumpy economic road ahead, though it is currently faring better than previously feared in the face of U.S. tariffs. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy is for the third year in a row delaying a surplus, now projecting black...

Ontario to unveil budget amid global economic uncertainty

Ontario to unveil budget amid global economic uncertainty

Ontario's finance minister will unveil the province's budget today, which is not expected to have any tax increases. Peter Bethlenfalvy has signalled Ontarians must plan for tougher times ahead as U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war continues and global conflicts push strong headwinds against Ontario's economy. Ontario's deficit earlier this year stood at $13.4 billion and its overall debt as...

Premier Doug Ford, health minister defend supervised consumption site closures

Premier Doug Ford, health minister defend supervised consumption site closures

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his health minister are defending the decision to shutter more supervised drug consumption sites.

Ontario's payout to Elon Musk over cancelled Starlink contract to remain secret

Ontario's payout to Elon Musk over cancelled Starlink contract to remain secret

TORONTO -- Ontario's payout to Elon Musk's SpaceX over a cancelled Starlink contract will remain a secret after the two sides agreed to a confidential settlement, The Canadian Press has learned.

Ontario to make premier, cabinet ministers' records secret as it tightens FOI laws

Ontario to make premier, cabinet ministers' records secret as it tightens FOI laws

Ontario is set to make Premier Doug Ford and cabinet members' records secret as it "modernizes" freedom-of-information laws. Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Minister Stephen Crawford says the province is also updating its cybersecurity protections. Crawford says the changes will help protect cabinet confidentiality. He says the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act has not been...

Ontario's payout to Elon Musk over cancelled Starlink contract to remain secret

Ontario's payout to Elon Musk over cancelled Starlink contract to remain secret

Ontario's payout to Elon Musk's SpaceX over a cancelled Starlink contract will remain a secret after the two sides agreed to a confidential settlement, The Canadian Press has learned. The province said the kill fee for what was set to be a $100-million deal is "significantly less than the contract value," and the amount paid out was part of a...

NDP politicians set off on road trip to highlight northern Ontario road dangers

NDP politicians set off on road trip to highlight northern Ontario road dangers

TORONTO -- Three Ontario New Democrats have set off on a road trip from Toronto to the Manitoba border and back to highlight the dangers of northern roads.

Ring of Fire roads to be complete by 2031, ahead of schedule: Ford

Ring of Fire roads to be complete by 2031, ahead of schedule: Ford

TORONTO -- Construction on the roads to the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario should start this year and be completed by 2031, the province announced Monday.

Proposed Ring of Fire mine in northern Ontario clears another regulatory hurdle

Proposed Ring of Fire mine in northern Ontario clears another regulatory hurdle

TORONTO -- A proposed mine in Ontario's Ring of Fire region has cleared another regulatory hurdle despite a First Nation's protest.

Doug Ford defends decision to cut post-secondary student grants

Doug Ford defends decision to cut post-secondary student grants

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford is defending his government's decision to cut back on the amount of financial assistance for post-secondary students.

Ontario PCs reverse course on media ban, will let reporters cover Doug Ford's speech at party convention

Ontario PCs reverse course on media ban, will let reporters cover Doug Ford's speech at party convention

TORONTO -- Doug Ford's Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has reversed course on a media ban at its upcoming convention.

Marineland has solid plan to move whales and dolphins to U.S., minister says

Marineland has solid plan to move whales and dolphins to U.S., minister says

TORONTO -- Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson says Marineland's plan to move Canada's last remaining captive whales and dolphins to several parks in the United States is a solid one.

Ottawa gives conditional approval for Marineland to export remaining belugas to U.S.

Ottawa gives conditional approval for Marineland to export remaining belugas to U.S.

Marineland's belugas have cleared a significant hurdle after federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson conditionally approved the export of the theme park's whales to the United States.

American aquariums say they are working to provide future for Marineland's belugas

American aquariums say they are working to provide future for Marineland's belugas

TORONTO -- American aquariums say they visited Marineland last week with the goal of providing hope and a future for 30 beluga whales that face euthanasia should they not be moved.

Marineland now seeking permits to ship remaining belugas to U.S.: sources

Marineland now seeking permits to ship remaining belugas to U.S.: sources

TORONTO -- Marineland has presented a plan to the federal government to ship the last remaining captive whales and dolphins in Canada to several institutions in the United States, The Canadian Press has learned.

Toronto hospital to double housing program that reduces ER visits

Toronto hospital to double housing program that reduces ER visits

TORONTO -- A Toronto hospital network will double its unique permanent housing program for homeless people who frequently visit emergency departments that has seen great success.

Rift surfaces between Doug Ford and Mark Carney over EV deal with China

Rift surfaces between Doug Ford and Mark Carney over EV deal with China

Premier Doug Ford says Prime Minister Mark Carney's deal with China on electric vehicles has hurt Ontarians and the two have not spoken since. Ford says he was disappointed Carney did not give him a heads-up about a potential deal before the prime minister's trip to China last week. Carney struck a deal with China last week to allow up...

Rift surfaces between Doug Ford and Mark Carney over EV deal with China

Rift surfaces between Doug Ford and Mark Carney over EV deal with China

TORONTO -- Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he's "ticked off" at Prime Minister Mark Carney over his deal with China on electric vehicles, and the two have not spoken since.

Bonnie Crombie resigns as leader of Ontario Liberal Party, effective immediately

Bonnie Crombie resigns as leader of Ontario Liberal Party, effective immediately

Bonnie Crombie resigned Wednesday as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, months after saying she would leave following a tepid leadership vote in the fall. She initially said she would stay until a successor is chosen, but has now decided on an early exit. "As we begin a new year, I believe this is the right moment for me and...

As Ontario civil servants return to office full time, union calls order 'ridiculous'

As Ontario civil servants return to office full time, union calls order 'ridiculous'

TORONTO -- Ontario government employees are expected to return to the office five days per week starting Monday, despite objections from public sector unions.

As Ontario civil servants return to office full time, union calls order 'ridiculous'

As Ontario civil servants return to office full time, union calls order 'ridiculous'

TORONTO -- Ontario government employees are expected to return to the office five days per week starting Monday, despite objections from public sector unions.

Ontario's integrity commissioner opens probe into Labour Minister David Piccini

Ontario's integrity commissioner opens probe into Labour Minister David Piccini

TORONTO -- Ontario's integrity commissioner has launched an investigation into Labour Minister David Piccini over the provincial Skills Development Fund.

Feds, Ontario to sign deal reducing regulatory burden on Ring of Fire, other projects

Feds, Ontario to sign deal reducing regulatory burden on Ring of Fire, other projects

Ottawa and Ontario are set to sign a deal Thursday that will reduce the regulatory burden on large projects, including the road to the Ring of Fire, The Canadian Press has learned. Provincial and federal government sources who are not allowed to speak publicly say Ottawa has agreed to eliminate any duplicative work on its impact assessments on large projects...

Feds, Ontario to sign deal reducing regulatory burden on Ring of Fire, other projects

Feds, Ontario to sign deal reducing regulatory burden on Ring of Fire, other projects

TORONTO -- Ottawa and Ontario are set to sign a deal Thursday that will reduce the regulatory burden on large projects, including the road to the Ring of Fire, The Canadian Press has learned.

Ontario Liberals push province to sell off stored U.S. booze for charity

Ontario Liberals push province to sell off stored U.S. booze for charity

TORONTO -- Ontario's Liberals are pushing Doug Ford's government to sell the province's stockpile of U.S. booze that is sitting in storage.

Inside the Ring of Fire: A tale of two First Nations and a road that could change everything

Inside the Ring of Fire: A tale of two First Nations and a road that could change everything

WEBEQUIE AND NESKANTAGA FIRST NATIONS -- This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

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'

The leader of Ontario's official Opposition was kicked out of question period this morning after calling Premier Doug Ford's government "corrupt." NDP Leader Marit Stiles made the comment as the opposition continued to hammer Labour Minister David Piccini over the scandal-plagued Skills Development Fund. The auditor general found his office has been heavily involved in selecting projects under the $2.5-billion...

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."