Transparent Attribution & Source Integrity
Readers have a fundamental right to know the origin of the information presented in iCanada reporting. Our sourcing policy mandates clear, unambiguous attribution for every key assertion of fact, quotation, and dataset.
1. Preferred Sourcing Hierarchy
- Official Primary Sources: Direct public records from federal, provincial, and municipal government departments (e.g., Statistics Canada, Bank of Canada, RCMP, provincial ministries), regulatory dockets, and verified corporate/institutional releases.
- Verified Wire Services & Primary Reporting: Established national and international press agencies (The Canadian Press, Reuters, Associated Press).
- Academic & Expert Studies: Peer-reviewed research, recognized think-tank data, and accredited Canadian universities.
2. Direct Linking
Where publicly accessible online, iCanada provides direct hyperlinks to primary source documents, government datasets, and public statements in the article text and within our dedicated Sources & Documents section.
3. Anonymous Sources
iCanada strictly limits the use of anonymous or unnamed sources. Information from unnamed sources is accepted only when all the following criteria are met:
- The information is vital to public interest and cannot be obtained on the record.
- The source has direct, first-hand knowledge of the events.
- The factual claims are corroborated by independent documentary or physical evidence.
4. Anti-Plagiarism & Replication Prohibition
iCanada strictly prohibits content spinning, synonymized paraphrasing, and wholesale replication of third-party reporting. Every story must provide original Canadian context, synthesis, background explanation, and substantive value to our readers.