What does this mean for you as a reader?
This policy means every article you read on Toronto Post has been reviewed by a human editor and, where appropriate, fact-checked by our dedicated Standards & Fact-Checking Lead. We do not publish claims without verification. Your trust is the foundation of our work, and this page shows you exactly how we earn it.
When you see a statement in our reporting, you can assume we have confirmed it from reliable sources unless it is a routine, uncontroversial fact. We label unverified information clearly, so you always know what is confirmed and what is still being investigated. Our Editorial Policy explains our broader commitment to accuracy and fairness.
What does Toronto Post verify?
We verify all factual claims that could materially affect a reader’s understanding of a story. This includes statistics, names, dates, quotes, legal citations, and background assertions about people or organisations. We also verify any data drawn from public records, studies, or reports.
Our reporters check every figure cited in a budget analysis, every vote tally from a council meeting, and every quotation attributed to a source. If we cannot verify a claim after reasonable effort, we either omit it or present it with a clear caveat. The verification standard applies to all content, including breaking news, in-depth features, and editorials. Our editorial team includes named writers, editors, and a dedicated fact-checking lead who oversee this process.
How do we rank our sources?
Toronto Post uses a clear source hierarchy, detailed on our Sources & Standards page. We prioritise primary documents, official records, on-the-record interviews, and verifiable data over anonymous or second-hand information. The closer a source is to the event, the higher its credibility.
We prefer direct government data, court filings, transcripts, and interviews with named individuals over press releases or social media posts. Anonymous sources are used only when the information is critical and cannot be obtained otherwise, and we explain the reason for anonymity. Each article includes enough sourcing detail for readers to assess the reliability of the information.
How do we handle rumours or unverified claims?
We label all rumours, speculation, or unconfirmed reports as such. If we report on an allegation that we cannot independently verify, we say so plainly and explain why we are covering it — usually because it is already in the public discourse or involves a matter of significant public interest.
We never present a rumour as fact. A headline or lede will include language such as “unconfirmed reports” or “according to unnamed sources.” Our fact-checkers track the rumour’s origin and update the story as verification becomes available. If the rumour proves false, we correct the record promptly under our Corrections Policy.
Who reviews sensitive or high-stakes articles?
Our Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, Andrew Leblanc, personally reviews articles that involve accusations, safety risks, vulnerable sources, or significant public interest. He ensures all verification steps are documented and that the story meets our sourcing standards before publication.
Andrew works with the Editor-in-Chief, Catherine Roy, on any piece that could cause reputational harm, affect legal rights, or involve allegations against an individual or organisation. They may also consult the Editorial Policy and our AI & Automation Policy to ensure no tool has introduced unverified information. This extra layer of review is part of our commitment to responsible journalism.
How can readers report a fact-check concern?
If you spot an error or have evidence that challenges a claim in our reporting, please email our dedicated fact-check address: factcheck@torontopost.org. Our team reviews every submission and responds within two business days.
You can also use the general tips or complaints emails listed on our Contact page, but factcheck@torontopost.org gets directly to Andrew Leblanc’s team. When you write, please include the article URL, the disputed claim, and any supporting documentation. We take every report seriously and will investigate and correct if needed, following our Corrections Policy.
How this works in practice
Suppose we report that a Toronto city council vote on a transit budget was 9–5. Our reporter attends the meeting, obtains the official tally from the city clerk, and records the names of councillors on each side. Before publication, the fact-checker compares our numbers against the published minutes and confirms with two councillors’ offices. The article carries that verified tally.
If a reader later emails factcheck@torontopost.org with evidence that the vote was actually 8–6, our Standards Lead investigates. We check the official record again, interview the clerk, and if the error is confirmed, we update the article with a correction note at the top and publish a separate notice under our Corrections Policy. The reader who reported the error receives a direct response thanking them and explaining the fix.
Who owns and operates Toronto Post?
Toronto Post is owned and operated by Northern Beacon Media Inc., an Ontario corporation (Ontario Business Registry company number 1003194827). Our registered office is Unit 12, 95 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1G4. We are an independent Canadian digital news publisher focused on Toronto and national stories.
Our editorial independence is guaranteed by a firewall between commercial operations and news decisions. Sponsored content is clearly labelled, and our Ownership & Funding page details all revenue sources. No advertiser, partner, or owner influences fact-checking or editorial conclusions.
In short
Every fact we publish is checked. Every error we make is corrected transparently. You can hold us accountable by emailing factcheck@torontopost.org, and we will respond with a thorough review. That is our promise to you as a reader.