Latest from Patrick Butler
Chaotic 2021 N.L. election saw votes cast using sticky notes, people sending selfies to get ballots
Votes were cast using sticky notes, people tried registering for ballot kits using selfies as ID and more than 500,000 envelopes had to be ordered at the 11th hour as officials in Newfoundland and Labrador scrambled to switch to a provincewide mail-in election following a COVID-19 outbreak in 2021.
Price tag, timeline for N.L. Hydro expansion questioned in new report
A new independent report calls into question the price tag, timelines and demand forecasts underlying nearly $2 billion in construction projects proposed by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
Quebec man accused of sexual assault in Labrador avoids trial due to delays
The case is the latest in Newfoundland and Labrador in recent months to be dismissed on the Jordan application.
How big bucks from big tobacco prevented N.L.'s deficit from doubling
The Newfoundland and Labrador government included in this year's pre-election budget decades worth of revenues from the pending settlement of a lawsuit against tobacco companies, helping stem a flow of red ink that could have doubled the current projected deficit.
Abbott says 'safe' Hogan campaign for N.L. Liberal leadership promises 'nothing new'
The gloves are off. After a month of cordial campaigning, on Thursday John Abbott accused John Hogan, his sole opponent in the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal leadership race, of proposing "nothing new" in his bid to lead the party — and become premier.
N.L. PCs began election year with 17 times less cash than Liberals
New financial statements show Newfoundland and Labrador's Liberal Party ended 2024 with about 17 times more money in the bank than the Progressive Conservatives, with a looming provincial election slated to be called between now and Oct. 14.
Muskrat Falls lines failed 6 times since January
The Muskrat Falls transmission lines failed six times during the first quarter of 2025, although Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro says the problems had no impact on electricity customers.
N.L. schools ordered to destroy new books containing 'inaccurate information' on Indigenous people
Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Education ordered its schools to destroy thousands of books purchased two years ago because they contained 'inaccurate information' about the territories, culture and history of the province's Indigenous peoples.
Keeping Holyrood power plant open beyond 2030 would cost hundreds of millions
Keeping the aging Holyrood Thermal Generating Station open just five years beyond its potential 2030 retirement date would cost Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro more than $700 million.
Liberal leadership contenders not required to disclose campaign contributions
Both candidates in the race for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liberal Party leadership – a contest that will automatically elect the province’s next premier – said this week they’ll make all their campaign donations and expenses public.