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This Canadian cancer charity tells the public it spends most of its donations on charitable works. Financial records tell a different story
Breast Cancer Canada is a rising star among Canadian charities. In just two years, its annual revenues skyrocketed from $1.2 million in 2019/2020 to $18.8 million in 2021/2022. Most of the money raised, the charity has said, goes toward funding medical research and raising awareness about a devastating disease. According to financial disclosures posted online, the charity… Read more
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Investigating Indigenous Issues panel: A non-profit journalism case study
Over the past four years, the IJB has built a unique model for in-depth reporting on Indigenous issues that has unearthed powerful new insights. With the support of philanthropic funding, IJB research and reporting has unveiled forensic details on everything from substandard water quality on First Nations reserves to crumbling infrastructure and lack of mental… Read more
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Rotting foundations. Rampant mould. Sewage backups. What an expert’s report reveals about the state of housing in ‘deliberately underfunded’ First Nations
For years, the people of St. Theresa Point First Nation have complained about their decrepit and overcrowded housing, but felt ignored by the federal government. Now, they hope outside experts will help them be heard. As part of their ongoing lawsuit against the federal government, the First Nation in northern Manitoba and another in northern… Read more
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Is investigative journalism dying in Canada? A critical panel discussion
Canada’s leading investigative journalists gathered for a recent panel to explore the future of the industry. Moderated by veteran journalist Julian Sher, the conversation delved into the challenges facing the industry and the essential role of investigative journalism in a functioning democracy. The closure of hundreds of local newspapers and the dismantling of investigative units… Read more
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Feds vow to probe findings of IJB/Star/TVO investigation on mental health care for Indigenous people
The federal government will investigate concerns about therapists with troubling backgrounds approved to provide mental health care to First Nations and Inuit people under its national benefits program. “Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) has been made aware of concerns related to specific mental health therapists” enrolled in the federal government’s Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, reads… Read more
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Canada’s Indigenous mental health program is meant to be a lifeline. Instead, it’s so mired in red tape it seems ‘set up to deter people from accessing’ care
Soon after psychologist Leigh Sheldon opened a mental health clinic in Edmonton in 2021, the desperate calls for help started pouring in. Each call carried an Indigenous voice in crisis. And with each call, Sheldon came to the same depressing realization: the coverage provided by the federal health benefits program for Indigenous people was failing… Read more
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‘Deeply troubling’: Ontario chiefs call for reforms to federal health program after Star/IJB investigation
One of the largest Indigenous organizations in Canada is calling for sweeping reforms to a federal health benefits program that covers mental health care services for some of the world’s most vulnerable patients. The Chiefs of Ontario, which advocates for 133 First Nations across the province, is demanding the federal government immediately review the professional… Read more
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A murder conviction. Sex with an ex-client. Defending residential schools. Critics are alarmed at background of therapists approved for Indigenous mental health program
Dr. Oren Amitay has posted online an article defending Indian Residential Schools. The Toronto psychologist has publicly lauded “the facts” of a social media post that claimed reports of Indigenous children’s bodies being buried in unmarked graves were “all a hoax.” He is also approved by the federal government to provide counselling to vulnerable Indigenous patients. The Non-Insured… Read more
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Mind Games: Healing or Harming Generational Wounds, a mini-documentary
Concerns over Canada’s mental healthcare system for Indigenous people living in Canada sparked a two-year investigation conducted by the Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB), TVO and the Toronto Star. Mind Games examines alleged failings of mental health services provided to Indigenous and Inuit communities, including red tape, long wait times, and cultural insensitivity Through personal stories… Read more
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Investigative Journalism Bureau podcast collaboration wins U.S. Signal Award for The Ultimate Choice Podcast
The Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB), in partnership with TVO, the Toronto Star and Piz Gloria Productions, is pleased to announce that The Ultimate Choice podcast has won a Signal Award in the Documentary category for Individual Episodes. The prestigious international competition honours podcasts that define our culture. The Ultimate Choice is recognized with a Silver… Read more
