This fact-checking policy explains what Canada Edition does to verify information before publication, how we handle claims that are not yet confirmed, and what you can do if you spot something that needs a correction. The goal is to give you a clear, practical understanding of how we maintain trust in every story we publish.
What does Canada Edition verify before publishing?
We verify the core factual claims that underpin every news article. This includes statements attributed to named individuals, data from official sources, statistics, dates, locations, and any assertion that could mislead a reader if wrong. Our editors assess each article’s key assertions—whether about a policy change, a business development, or a community event—and confirm them against reliable evidence before the story goes live.
Verification does not mean we avoid reporting on unconfirmed developments. When a story involves claims that cannot be independently verified at the time of publication, we clearly label them as allegations or reports under investigation. We never present unconfirmed information as established fact. Every piece is reviewed by a human editor who checks that sources are properly cited and that the evidence supports the conclusions drawn.
How does Canada Edition assess sources?
We use a source hierarchy that prioritises primary, verifiable, and attributable material. Direct observations, official documents, court records, government data, on-the-record interviews, and reputable institutional reports sit at the top. Secondary sources, anonymous tips, and third-hand accounts carry less weight and are used only when corroborated or clearly attributed with a rationale for their use.
We maintain a detailed Sources & Standards page that explains this hierarchy further. All sources used in an article are noted within the piece or in its metadata. If a source cannot be named for safety or confidentiality reasons, the article explains why the information is still being reported and what steps were taken to verify it independently. Readers and fact-checkers can always request additional source context through our fact-checking channels.
How are rumours and unverified claims handled?
Rumours, social-media speculation, and unverified claims that are newsworthy are clearly labelled as such. We do not repeat a rumour without context that tells the reader it has not been confirmed. If a claim is circulating widely but lacks evidence, we may write a story that explains the claim, why it is unverified, and what is known versus unknown—but we never present it as fact.
Our editorial team applies the same standard to breaking news. When a developing story contains unconfirmed elements, we state plainly which parts are confirmed and which remain under verification. As more information becomes available, we update the article with a note explaining what has changed. This approach helps readers distinguish between established facts and ongoing reporting.
Who reviews sensitive or high-impact articles?
Articles involving allegations of wrongdoing, national security, public health risks, financial product claims, or vulnerable individuals are reviewed by our Standards Lead, Andrew Leblanc (andrew.leblanc@canadaedition.org). Before publication, Andrew checks that all sources are properly verified, that any use of anonymous sources meets our criteria, and that the article’s conclusions are supported by the evidence presented.
This tiered review process means that articles with significant consequences for individuals, organisations, or public trust receive extra scrutiny. Andrew also reviews articles that rely on a single source, involve contested facts, or address topics where misinformation is common. The goal is to catch any gaps in verification before the story reaches readers.
What should I do if I find an error?
If you believe an article contains an error, please contact us immediately at factcheck@canadaedition.org. Include the article title, the URL, a clear description of the potential error, and any supporting evidence. Our fact-checking team reviews every report. For non-factual concerns, such as fairness or representation, use complaints@canadaedition.org.
We treat all error reports seriously. Andrew Leblanc, as Standards Lead, oversees the review process and decides whether a correction is warranted. Our Corrections Policy explains how we handle mistakes—from minor factual fixes to major retractions—and how we communicate changes to readers. You can also learn more about our broader Editorial Policy and meet the team that produces our journalism.
How this works in practice
Imagine a local news story about a city council vote on transit funding. A reader submits a tip through tips@canadaedition.org claiming the vote was unanimous. Before publishing, our Municipal Affairs Editor, Hannah Walsh, checks the official council minutes and confirms the vote was 6–4. The claim is corrected in the draft. If the article had already been published, we would issue a correction noting the exact change. If the council minutes were not yet publicly available, the article would state that the vote tally was unconfirmed pending official records. This routine process applies to every article, large or small, and ensures readers can trust what they see.
In short
Canada Edition verifies every factual claim before publication, labels unconfirmed information clearly, and reviews sensitive articles with extra rigour. If you spot something amiss, send it to factcheck@canadaedition.org—we will investigate and correct it promptly.