Canada's National Observer

Canada's National Observer (CNO) delivers vital reporting on the defining crisis of our time: climate change. Through rigorous investigation and compelling storytelling, we expose the forces shaping Canada's future – from political power to public health, from disinformation campaigns to business transformation. 

"I believe in the power of investigative journalism, and I believe that good investigative reporting is, by its nature, very solutions-oriented. The whole point of an investigative series is to bring further attention to a problem so that there can be policy change for the better," Linda Solomon Wood, founder and publisher of Canada's National Observer, told Harvard University's Nieman Lab for an article entitled: "We stepped in and started doing it": How one woman built an award-winning news outlet from her dining room table.

Our investigations have shaped national policy, exposed corruption, and driven vital conversations on climate, health, and justice from Parliament Hill to remote communities. When Canadians need to understand what's at stake and who's accountable, they turn to CNO.

With an audience of millions and over 400,000 subscribers, CNO has become Canada's leading source of reporting on the climate crisis and the path to solutions. Our teams have consistently broken new ground – exposing public health crises in oil sands communities, reporting from UN climate conferences when no other Canadian media was present, and amplifying voices forgotten by mainstream media.

This groundbreaking work has earned unprecedented recognition. CNO made history as the first digital-only publication to receive both a Michener Award citation and a National Newspaper Award. From documenting wildfire impacts on First Nations to investigating coal mine safety to producing award-winning podcasts like "The Salmon People," our journalism consistently drives national conversation and change.

Our Mission

We investigate the intersections of power, money, and climate action while amplifying solutions and celebrating innovation that drives possibility and change. Through deep reporting, we:

• Empower Canadians with knowledge to make decisions about their future
• Investigate connections between climate change, politics, public health, and social justice
• Highlight promising developments in clean energy and sustainable solutions
• Build public understanding of complex issues through clear, compelling storytelling
• Hold power to account through rigorous investigation

What Drives Us

• Delivering rigorous, independent journalism that informs and empowers Canadians to make decisions about their future
• Investigating the connections between climate change, politics, public health, and social justice
• Highlighting promising developments in clean energy and sustainable solutions
• Amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, particularly from communities most affected by climate change
• Building public understanding of complex environmental issues through clear, compelling storytelling
• Holding power to account through deep investigative reporting
• Fostering informed dialogue about Canada's path to a sustainable future

Community of Engaged Readers

CNO is more than a news source—it's a community of informed and engaged citizens committed to understanding and addressing the climate crisis. Our subscribers are entrepreneurs, policy makers, activists, educators, and concerned citizens who believe that better journalism leads to better decisions. Our comment sections host some of the most thoughtful discussions about climate and policy in Canadian media, where subscribers share expertise, debate solutions, and build understanding across perspectives.

Read and Engage

As a subscriber, you become part of our dynamic community:

Awards & Recognition

Canada's National Observer has earned consistent recognition for excellence in journalism, particularly in environmental reporting, investigative journalism, and digital innovation. As the first digital-only publication to receive both a Michener Award citation and a National Newspaper Award, we've helped pioneer a new era in Canadian journalism.

Recent Achievements

2024

• National Newspaper Award: Max Fawcett for column writing
• Covering Climate Now: Matteo Cimellaro wins  for reporting on wildfire impacts on First Nations

2023

• Webby Awards: "The Salmon People" podcast named Honoree in the 27th Annual Webby Awards
• Canadian Foundation for Journalism: "The Salmon People" nominated for "overall excellence" in small media category
• Atlantic Journalism Awards: Cloe Logan nominated for Enterprise/Longform category for coal mine safety investigation
• Canadian Association of Journalists:
  • Matteo Cimellaro nominated for Emerging Indigenous Journalist Award
  • Marc Fawcett-Atkinson and Jessica McDiarmid nominated in Scoops category
• Metcalf Foundation: Cloe Logan named finalist for environmental journalism workshop

2022

• National Newspaper Awards:
  • Winner: Mary Ann Shadd Cary award for Karyn Pugliese's columns on residential schools
  • Nominated: John Wesley Dafoe Award for Politics ("Friends with Benefits" investigation)
• Canadian Journalism Foundation: Finalist for Climate Solutions Reporting award
• Canadian Hillman Prize: Honourable Mention for "Friends with Benefits" investigation
• Jackman Awards: Finalist for Excellence in Journalism for "Clean Water, Broken Promises" series

2019-2021

• Webster Foundation: Environmental Reporting Award nomination (2021)
• Canadian Association of Journalism: David McKie awarded the prestigious Bury Award (2020)
• Governor General's Michener Awards: Citation for public interest journalism (2019)

2016-2018

• National Newspaper Award: First digital-only publication to win, for "House of Irving" series (2016)
• Michener Award: Finalist for Energy East Pipeline investigation (2016)
• Canadian Online Publishing Awards: Best Publication (2018)
• Canadian Association of Journalists: Multiple nominations for excellence in reporting

2010-2015

• Canadian Journalism Foundation:
  • Excellence in Journalism for Local Media (2014)
  • Excellence in Journalism for Small Media (2012)
• Canadian Online Publishing Awards:
  • Best Website in Canada (2010)
  • Best Online-Only Article (2010)

Other Areas of Recognition

Our work has been consistently recognized for leadership in the field as well as:

• Environmental and climate crisis reporting
• Indigenous journalism
• Investigative excellence
• Digital innovation
• Public interest journalism
• Column writing and commentary

This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, independent journalism that serves the public interest and advances critical conversations about Canada's future.

CNO Revenue Structure

Our organization operates through three primary revenue streams:

1. Subscriptions (40%)
  - Individual subscribers across Canada
  - Institutional subscriptions from:
    - Government bodies (Federal Government of Canada, Province of B.C., Bank of Canada)
    - Academic institutions (Simon Fraser University, University of New Brunswick)
    - Civil society organizations (David Suzuki Foundation)

2. Contract Work & Collaborations (40%)
  - The Climate Solutions Reporting Project
  - European Union Delegation to Canada annual panels
  - Sponsored events and special projects

3. Government Support & Tax Credits (20%)
  - Government of Canada grants
  - Local Journalism Initiative funding (supporting 3 reporters)
  - Media tax credits

Fiscal Sponsorship
- Institute for Sustainability, Education and Action (I-SEA)

Key Collaborations
Under The Climate Solutions Reporting Project, we collaborate with leading Canadian foundations including, among others:

• Ivey Foundation
• North Family Foundation
• Trottier Foundation
• Roadburg Foundation
• Raffi Foundation
• Makeway Foundation
• Donner Foundation
• Dragonfly Foundation

Sustainability in a Changing Media Landscape

Our diverse revenue structure helps build resilience in today's precarious media landscape, where even established news organizations face unprecedented challenges. While this approach supports our editorial independence and mission to deliver high-quality journalism focused on climate solutions, the sustainability of independent news media requires ongoing partnerships and support from organizations and people who  share our commitment to informed public discourse on critical issues.

History

As Canada's National Observer approaches its 10th birthday, the organization stands as a powerhouse of investigative journalism examining government, politics and power. Through over 15,000 stories, we've shaped national policy, unearthed corruption, and driven vital conversations on climate, health and justice, also documenting innovation and heroism from coast to coast.

Our teams have gone where others wouldn't at the time, leading the way in exposing public health crises in oil sands communities, reporting from UN climate conferences when no other Canadian media was present, and giving voice to communities forgotten by mainstream media.

This award-winning journalism exists thanks to our loyal readers, whose subscriptions and donations have built a sustainable model for independent reporting that serves the public interest.

Here's to the  journalists who've  shaped CNO's legacy, and to the committed community of readers who've made their vital work possible.

Looking ahead

Building on a decade of impact, Canada's National Observer is expanding our commitment to groundbreaking journalism that serves democracy and gives people the facts and stories they need to make decisions and navigate challenges. Our vision combines methodical investigation with innovative storytelling to address the defining challenges of our time.

What readers can expect:
- Deeper dives into the intersection of climate policy, corporate power, and social justice
- Enhanced coverage of solutions and transformative initiatives across Canada
- Expanded investigative teams focused on holding power to account
- New multimedia storytelling formats that bring complex issues to life
- Increased collaboration with community voices and subject-matter experts
- Enhanced digital features to make our journalism more accessible and engaging

We're investing in the next generation of  journalists while strengthening our data journalism capabilities. Our commitment to independent, reader-funded journalism remains – because we believe that informed communities make better decisions.

As we enter our second decade, we're more determined than ever to shine a light on stories that matter, amplify voices that need to be heard, and catalyze the conversations Canada needs to have. Whether it's exposing environmental injustice, investigating corporate influence, or documenting paths to a sustainable future, our journalism will continue to serve the public interest with integrity and courage.

Join us as we build on our foundation of thorough reporting to create an even stronger platform for independent journalism in Canada.

CNO has been a member of The Trust Project for many years. The Trust Project operates as a consortium of top news companies and consists of people and organizations dedicated to restoring the trusted role of the press in serving the public good.

Contact Us

Editorial

• Editor-in-Chief: Adrienne Tanner
  [email protected]
• Managing Editor: Jimmy Thompson
  [email protected]

Business Development & Partnerships

• General Manager: Janel Johnson
  [email protected]
• Publisher: Linda Solomon Wood
  [email protected]
  For collaborations and strategic partnerships

Audience Support

• Subscription Services: Ramneet Bhullar
  [email protected]
• Head of Product and Marketing: Tim Lam
  [email protected]

Media & Productions

• Podcast Managing Director: Sandra Bartlett
  [email protected]

For other matters, please visit our contact page or email: [email protected].

Our Commitments

Editorial Standards & Ethics

Canada's National Observer maintains rigorous journalistic standards. Our coverage is guided by:

• Independent, fact-based reporting with thorough verification
• Clear separation between news and opinion content
• Transparent correction policies
• Protection of sources when warranted
• Strict conflict of interest policies
• Trust Project membership and standards

Diversity & Representation

As a women-majority owned company, CNO is committed to amplifying diverse voices. Our newsroom actively works to include perspectives from:

• Women
• Indigenous peoples
• Visible minorities
• Religious minorities
• LGBTQ2S+ communities
• Varied geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds

Accuracy & Corrections

We strive for accuracy in all our reporting. Factual errors are corrected promptly with full transparency. Contact [email protected] for corrections.

Privacy & Trust

• Reader information is kept confidential
• Personal data is protected and never sold
• Subscription management through Piano Essentials
• Clear cookie and privacy policies
• Full transparency about ownership and funding

Advisory Board

Canada's National Observer's Advisory Board brings together distinguished leaders in sustainability, technology, journalism, law, and social innovation who help guide our organization's strategic direction and impact. Their diverse expertise strengthens our ability to deliver groundbreaking journalism on climate change, social justice, and Canada's clean energy transition.

Denise Williams
A visiting lecturer at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business and former mentor with the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, Denise brings expertise in technology ethics and digital inclusion. Her work with the United Nations as Secretary General's Envoy on Technology - Digital Inclusion informs CNO's approach to covering the intersection of technology and climate solutions.

Wendy Cooper
Through Dragonfly Ventures, Wendy advances philanthropic initiatives focused on environmental stewardship and future generations. Her extensive experience includes serving as Program Lead for National Watersheds & Ontario, where she fostered collaborations between charities and funders working toward ambitious environmental goals. Her background in conservation and community relationships helps guide CNO's coverage of watershed protection and environmental partnerships.

Stephen Huddart
A leader in regenerative economics and sustainable business practices, Stephen serves as Advisory Board Member with the Regenerative Capital Group and Director of the Regenerative Economy Program at the Victoria Forum. As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business, he brings valuable insights to CNO's coverage of the transition to a sustainable economy, Indigenous economic reconciliation, and climate finance innovation.

Esther Chetner
A distinguished lawyer and community philanthropist, Esther brings legal expertise and deep commitment to community engagement to CNO's Advisory Board. Her background in law combined with her philanthropic work strengthens our governance and helps ensure our journalism serves the public interest while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Margery Moore
President of the Institute for Sustainability Education & Action (I-SEA) and founder of ehsAI, Margery brings over two decades of leadership in sustainability education and environmental innovation. Her experience in developing AI solutions for environmental compliance and her work with the Biomimicry Institute adds valuable perspective to CNO's coverage of environmental technology and sustainability initiatives.

Geraldine Baum
A veteran journalist and communications expert, Geraldine brings over three decades of media experience to CNO's Advisory Board. Currently Chief Communications Officer at PEN America and former New York Bureau Chief for the Los Angeles Times, her extensive background includes coverage of major historical events and leadership roles at prestigious institutions including the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Her expertise in journalism, crisis communications, and strategic communications strengthens CNO's mission to deliver impactful environmental and social justice reporting.

Our Advisory Board members contribute to CNO's mission by:

• Providing strategic guidance on emerging environmental and social issues
• Supporting our commitment to inclusive, solution-focused journalism
• Helping forge connections with key stakeholders in sustainability, media, and social innovation
• Advising on organizational growth and impact measurement
• Strengthening our commitment to journalistic excellence and ethical reporting