This fact-checking policy explains how Canada Scope ensures every piece of journalism we publish is accurate, transparent, and accountable. Whether you are a regular reader or someone considering submitting a tip, this page describes what we verify, how we decide which sources to trust, and what you can do if you spot a mistake. We believe trust is earned through clearly stated routines and a willingness to correct errors swiftly.
What do we verify?
Canada Scope verifies all factual claims that are central to an article’s thesis or that could meaningfully mislead a reader if wrong. This includes names, dates, statistics, quotations, legal citations, and descriptions of events, policies, or scientific findings. Opinion pieces are clearly labelled and are not subject to fact-checking of subjective views, but the factual assertions within them are verified the same way as in news stories.
The verification standard is higher for content that directly affects public safety, health, elections, or financial decisions. Our Sources & Standards page details the hierarchy of evidence we apply, with primary documents, official data, and on-the-record interviews given greatest weight.
How does our source hierarchy work?
We rank sources by reliability and proximity to the facts. At the top are original documents (court rulings, legislation, scientific studies), directly attributable government data, and first-hand witness accounts recorded by our reporters. Second are reputable secondary sources such as peer-reviewed journals, official statistics Canada releases, and major wire services. Third are credible news reports from other outlets, which we corroborate whenever possible.
Anonymous sources are used only when the information is of high public interest, the source faces genuine risk, and the editors know the source’s identity. Every use is approved by the Managing Editor or Editor‑in‑Chief. You can read more about our sourcing standards on the Sources & Standards page.
How are rumours and unverified claims handled?
Rumours or unverified claims are never presented as fact. When a story is based on emerging information that cannot yet be fully confirmed, we state clearly that it is unverified and explain what we are doing to check it. Prominent labels such as “Developing” or “Unverified” appear in the headline or top of the article, and the status is updated as soon as verification is complete.
This practice extends to social‑media statements, leaked documents, and third‑party reports that have not been independently confirmed. Our Standards & Fact‑Checking Lead, Andrew Leblanc, reviews all such content before publication to ensure readers are not misled.
Who reviews the most sensitive articles?
Articles that involve allegations of wrongdoing, criminal investigations, public‑health risks, national security, or vulnerable individuals are flagged for additional review. Andrew Leblanc, our Standards & Fact‑Checking Lead, personally examines the sources, verifies key claims, and consults with the relevant section editor before sign‑off. The Editor‑in‑Chief, Catherine Roy, retains final authority on whether the piece meets our threshold for publication.
Sensitive pieces also receive a second fact‑check pass by a different member of the editorial team, and any remaining doubts are noted in the article itself (for example, “Canada Scope could not independently confirm…”). This layered process is part of our broader Editorial Policy.
How can readers report a potential error?
We encourage readers to contact us directly at factcheck@canadascope.org if they believe an article contains a factual mistake. Your email should include the article URL, the specific claim you question, and any supporting evidence. All reports are acknowledged within 24 hours and reviewed by Andrew Leblanc or a member of his team. You can also use our general complaints form via Contact or the dedicated corrections mailbox corrections@canadascope.org.
How does the correction process work?
When an error is confirmed, we correct the article promptly and add a transparent correction notice at the top or bottom of the piece. The notice states what was wrong, when the correction was made, and who approved it. Significant errors that change the meaning of a story are also noted in a separate correction‑list page. Minor typographical fixes are updated silently but are mentioned in the article’s revision history upon request.
For full details of our correction classifications and timelines, please see the Corrections Policy.
How this works in practice
Consider a recent article on federal carbon‑pricing revenue. Our reporter sourced figures from a government press release and an opposition MP’s statement. The fact‑checker verified the release against the official parliamentary budget report, found a discrepancy of $200 million, and flagged it before publication. The reporter contacted the government’s media office, obtained an updated data table, and the article was revised to reflect the correct number. The original draft had already been reviewed by Marc Tremblay (Managing Editor) and Hannah Walsh (Politics & Public Affairs Editor). The final version carried a note that the figure had been confirmed through two independent government datasets. This process—source verification, cross‑checking, editor review, and transparent note—is routine at Canada Scope.
About Canada Scope’s ownership and funding
Canada Scope is an independent digital news publisher owned and operated by Northern Beacon Media Inc., an Ontario corporation (Ontario Business Registry number 1003194827). Our registered office is Unit 12, 95 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1G4. Funding comes from display advertising, affiliate links, commercial partnerships, sponsored content, newsletter sponsorships, and content licensing. Sponsored or commercial material is clearly labelled, and affiliate links are disclosed. No commercial relationship determines editorial conclusions. For more details, visit our Ownership & Funding and Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure pages.
Our team of named editors and writers is listed on the Our Team page. The Editor‑in‑Chief, Catherine Roy, can be reached at catherine.roy@canadascope.org or +1 416 555‑0220.
In short
Canada Scope’s fact‑checking policy is built on clear verification standards, a defined source hierarchy, and a commitment to correct mistakes openly. If you ever spot an inaccuracy, please tell us at factcheck@canadascope.org—we’ll act quickly and transparently.