By Ronan O’Beirne Welcome to the poll on polls. To begin, please press 1 “What is a poll?” David Akin asks in the makeup room at the Sun News Network studio in downtown Toronto. He doesn’t need to think about his answer. “It is a snapshot backward in time.” This photo of public opinion is a… Continue reading Why aren’t political reporters asking the right questions about polls?
Category: The Magazine
On the national security beat: Michelle Shephard
By Vibhu Gairola There’s often a half-packed bag at the foot of Michelle Shephard’s bed. Into the bag go writing and recording materials; one of her Nikons (she has a D90 and a D300s); a Maglite and a spare cellphone; clothes, sunblock and basic first-aid necessities; and running shoes, when possible. Before she goes, the Toronto… Continue reading On the national security beat: Michelle Shephard
The secret relationship between reporters and spies
By Krystyna Henke It’s about 10 o’clock on a Friday morning in October 2009 when Dru Jay hears a knock. He throws on some clothes and opens the door of his Montreal apartment. A man and a woman stand in front of him. Jay stares at a badge that reads “CSIS.” The visitors ask to come in. He refuses.… Continue reading The secret relationship between reporters and spies
The Brampton Guardian’s Uphill Battle
By Jessica Galang After working a 12-hour shift on a Friday night in 1983, the Brampton Guardian’s editors and writers head to Ricky Joe’s, their fa- vourite nearby hangout. When they open their menus, they see a picture of themselves from one of the many nights they’ve spent there. These reporters don’t mind putting in the… Continue reading The Brampton Guardian’s Uphill Battle
How Glen McGregor and Stephen Maher broke the robocalls scandal
This story has been updated from a previous version. By Lisa Coxon After a few glasses of Côtes du Rhônes, Stephen Maher asks if we can turn the recorders off—one faces him; the other, Glen McGregor. We’re on the patio of Métropolitain, a restaurant just below Parliament Hill that’s a popular after-work hangout among political… Continue reading How Glen McGregor and Stephen Maher broke the robocalls scandal