Independence and editorial standards

Independent operation

This independently operated, non-commercial project is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the Smiths Falls Record Journal, Perth Courier Journal or Carleton Place Journal.

The publications’ names identify the subjects of this project.

Our purpose

Our aim is to establish a reliable record, assess whether recurring concerns are supported by evidence, and encourage accurate reporting and fair correction practices.

Historical court findings are presented as historical findings. New accounts are assessed individually, and no conclusion about current misconduct has been predetermined.

Editorial commitments

• Support factual claims with records.
• Distinguish court findings, allegations, personal experiences and opinions.
• Identify the factual basis for criticism.
• Seek and fairly represent relevant responses before publishing findings.
• Correct material errors transparently.
• Obtain express permission before publishing a contributor’s identity or submitted account.
• Consider satisfactory resolutions as well as unresolved concerns.

Relevant legal principles

This project aims to follow Canadian principles protecting factual reporting, fair comment and responsible communication on matters of public interest.

Relevant authorities include:

• WIC Radio Ltd. v. Simpson, 2008 SCC 40 — fair comment.
• Grant v. Torstar Corp., 2009 SCC 61 — responsible communication on matters of public interest.

Listing these authorities does not mean any court, CIRA or lawyer has reviewed or approved this project.