
After Ontario backtracks on landfill study, Liberals seek probe into donor links
The Ontario Liberals are asking the integrity commissioner to investigate the province's decision to backtrack on an environmental assessment of a massive landfill expansion project backed by Progressive Conservative donors.
The Liberals want the integrity commissioner to look at whether Premier Doug Ford's government gave the project special treatment because its developers are lucrative donors to his party.
The government is opting to cancel the assessment it had previously ordered for the project in Dresden, a rural farming community in southwestern Ontario, as part of a controversial omnibus bill making its way through the legislature.
The government ordered the assessment last summer, citing the community's concerns about the proposed landfill expansion, just weeks before it called a byelection in the local riding where the PC candidate campaigned against the expansion.
Get daily National news
Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Environment Minister Todd McCarthy now says the province can't afford to keep shipping a large share of its waste to the United States, suggesting Ontario is facing a landfill capacity 'crisis.'
Story continues below advertisement
The Liberals fired back by suggesting the government was leveraging the U.S. trade war to push through policies to benefit insiders at the expense of transparency and accountability to local residents.
York1, the company behind the project, is seeking to revive a dormant landfill about a kilometre north of Dresden and expand it by more than 30-fold to service waste from across the province.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Details of the developers' donations and lobbying efforts were first reported by The Trillium, a Queen's Park-based news outlet, and were cited by the Liberals in their letter to the integrity commissioner.
The Trillium reported executives at the companies and their family members had donated about $200,000 to the PCs since 2018.
The Canadian Press has corroborated some of those political contributions recorded in a public Elections Ontario database.
The integrity commissioner confirmed it was reviewing the Liberal request.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Japan Forward
an hour ago
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: The Emperor Visits Okinawa
このページを 日本語 で読む On June 4, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with their daughter Princess Aiko, visited Okinawa Prefecture. More than 200,000 people lost their lives there during World War II. It was Princess Aiko's first visit to Okinawa. Many people lined the roads, waving Japanese flags to welcome them. The Imperial family responded with waves and bows. The family offered flowers at the National Okinawa War Dead Peace Mausoleum on Mabuni Hill, where the Battle of Okinawa ended. They also toured the Cornerstone of Peace, which bears the names of the war dead, and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. The Imperial Family pays their respects at the Cornerstone of Peace in Peace Memorial Park, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. Afternoon of June 4. Their Majesties spoke with war survivors, bereaved families, and their representatives. They asked about loved ones lost in the war and listened intently to their harrowing stories. When one woman shared how she had witnessed three close relatives killed before her eyes, the Emperor gently responded, "It must have been truly painful." Princess Aiko added, "It's beyond what I can imagine," as she listened with deep empathy. The Emperor said, "Thank you for continuing to hope for and share the message of peace." Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko speak with war survivors and representatives during their visit to the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. Afternoon of June 4, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. That evening, the Imperial Family met with former participants of the "Mamekisha" (junior reporter) program, which sends Okinawan children to Tokyo to take part in journalistic activities. Some had met the Imperial Family years earlier, when Emperor Naruhito was still crown prince, and had even played volleyball with them. The reunion was warm and joyful. Outside their hotel, local volunteers welcomed the family with lanterns and Japanese flags. In return, the three waved lanterns from their room. The Imperial Family meets with former participants of Okinawa's "Mamekisha" (junior reporter) program. Afternoon of June 4, The Naha Terrace, Naha City. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency) On June 5, the Imperial family visited the Kozakura Monument in Naha City for the first time. The monument honors the victims of the Tsushima Maru, a school evacuation ship sunk by American forces during the war. Nearly 1,500 people were killed in the attack. While speaking with bereaved families, Princess Aiko reflected on the importance of life. Empress Masako noted, "It was a valuable experience for Aiko as well." Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko offer flowers at the Kozakura Monument, which honors those who perished aboard the Tsushima Maru. June 5, Naha City. Later that day, the family visited Shuri Castle, also in Naha. They observed the reconstruction of the main hall while dressed in traditional Okinawan summer wear, kariyushi . That evening, they returned to Tokyo, completing their visit. On May 30, Emperor Naruhito met with President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos at the Imperial Palace. It was announced that Princess Aiko is scheduled to make an official visit to Laos in November. The Emperor shared, "She is very much looking forward to it." That same day, Prince Fumihito met with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled at his residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo. On June 3, Princess Kiko attended a ceremony in Tokyo to present certificates of appreciation to donors of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, which she leads as president. On June 1, Emperor Naruhito attended the Viola Space 2025 concert at Nippon Steel Kioi Hall in Chiyoda Ward. The following day, he took part in the 150th anniversary ceremony of Japan's meteorological services, held at a Tokyo hotel. Emperor Naruhito delivers a speech at the 150th Anniversary Ceremony of Japan's meteorological services. Afternoon of June 2, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. On June 4, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, departed from Narita Airport on a commercial flight for an official visit to Brazil. The trip marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Brazil. She arrived in São Paulo on the morning of June 5, local time. Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, departs for Brazil. Afternoon of June 4, Narita Airport. Princess Hanako, the Emperor's aunt by marriage, visited the Tokyo Equestrian Park in Setagaya Ward on June 1 to attend the All Japan Equestrian Championships. Princess Akiko visited the National Confectionery Exposition in Hokkaido on May 30. On June 1, she attended the League One rugby final at the National Stadium in Shinjuku Ward. Princess Hisako visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on May 30 and attended Luxembourg's National Day ceremony. The next day, May 31, she joined a commemorative event in Tokyo for the Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Inter-Middle School English Oratorical Contest. Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む


Canada Standard
2 hours ago
- Canada Standard
Opinion: 'Don't Look, Just Leap', Carney and Ford Agree
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford seem to think that environmental assessment laws governing new pipelines, mines, nuclear power plants, ports, power dams, and transmission lines are no longer needed. Trust us, they say. Give us and the other politicians in our cabinets unfettered discretion to decide in secret which projects are in the national interest, where free-fire special economic zones should be established, and which corporations we should accept as trusted partners in exploiting Canada's natural wealth No need for serious debate in legislatures, they say. Ontario's Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act , was whipped through the provincial legislature in eight weeks. Carney wants Bill C-5, the Building Canada Act , enacted by Parliament by Canada Day, July 1. Independent scientists, civil society, and local communities need not be consulted on new megaprojects, they say. Governments know best. Yes, Indigenous nations must be heard from on account of that pesky Constitution and Supreme Court. But those consultations must be done quickly because project approvals are guaranteed within two years to ensure certainty for investors. View our latest digests Yes, they say, Canada's boreal forest is burning, atmospheric and other rivers are overflowing, and sea levels are rising. But action to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies really must be put on hold on account of the tyrant to the south. We need to let the U.S. President-not to mention the big investment banks-know that Canada can lay steel and pour concrete as fast as his country can. Benefits to Canadians from these national interest projects must wait, as well. Beginning roughly a half-century ago, Conservative federal and Ontario governments enacted laws requiring development projects to be assessed so that their environmental effects could be avoided, or at least mitigated. Ontario's Environmental Assessment Act was enacted in 1975, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act in 1992. Premier Bill Davis amd Prime Minister Mulroney understood that bureaucrats and consulting engineers don't always get it right, and that the singular focus on economic growth can sometimes leads to ecological disaster. Look before you leap. Ensure that government decisions to approve new highways, oil sands mines, or pipelines at least consider possible adverse environmental effects. Otherwise you get Chornobyl, Fukushima, Deepwater Horizon, and the Mount Polley and Giant mines. Ontario's Bill 5 and federal Bill C-5 effectively override these environmental assessment laws for the very projects that most need assessment and public discussion. Thank goodness we have elected such wise men who truly understand that a tunnel under the 401 highway, a trans-Canada energy corridor, and new roads to the Arctic are environmentally sustainable and will generate amazing benefits to regular Canadians. As catastrophic climate change and species extinctions accelerate, Canadians may be comforted by the thought that oil and gas and mining companies and investment banks will enjoy healthy profits for at least a few more quarters. Stephen Hazell is a veteran environmental lawyer, a member of the Energy Mix Productions Board of Directors, and an advisor to two national organizations assessing the impacts of Bill C-5. Source: The Energy Mix


Toronto Sun
3 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Letters to the Editor, June 9, 2025
Monday letters Photo by Illustration / Toronto Sun CARNEY IS THE SAME OLD LIB While I was deeply disappointed that Pierre Poilievre wasn't successful in the past election, I had hope that, although the team was the same, Mark Carney would turn out to be someone different than his predecessor. Turns out he is the same. Watching question period over the past week the Liberals continue using the same talking points and refuse to answer a question, Carney included. I guess honesty and transparency are not Liberal attributes. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Jane Gilbert Ajax (Evasion is the language the Liberals understand. It's too bad we have to endure for another term) AFFORDABLE AT WHAT COST? Could someone please explain the term 'affordable housing.' I keep hearing this term from every politician wanting to get elected. Is there a price on these houses? Are they mortgage free? How about affordable housing for seniors? Mayor Olivia Chow has raised property taxes more than 20% over her short term of office. My fixed income, based on the amount I was entitled to some 10 years ago, has no inflation clause to keep up with present-day costs. I guess Chow's idea of creating new housing is to squeeze pensioners out of their homes when they cannot afford to pay the taxes! I have never heard this socialist elite mayor ever say the words 'cut back' on anything. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Tony Di Stasi Etobicoke (None of them ever define what is affordable housing, it's just a term that sounds good but is meaningless in reality) JUST OPEN IT I read that the Eglinton Crosstown should be up and running by September ('Eglinton Crosstown rolling soon: Ford,' Jane Stevenson, June 4). Please inform all the politicians to not waste time and money on a grand opening ceremony. There's nothing to celebrate. Just open it. How anything that's long overdue and way overbudget can be celebrated for finally being in service is beyond me. Ha, that could be Metrolinx mantra: 'If it's not overdue and overbudget, it's not Metrolinx.' Todd Keller (That has a sad and expensive ring to it) World Canada Sports Crime Editorials