CAOwnership & classification
Founded: 1892
Ownership
The Toronto Star is published by Torstar Corporation, which since 2020 has been owned by NordStar Capital LP, a private holding firm. NordStar was formed by businessman Jordan Bitove and former Fairfax Financial president Paul Rivett, who took Torstar private for roughly C$52-60 million. After their partnership dissolved, a 2022-2023 arbitration awarded Bitove sole ownership of the Toronto Star and the Metroland community-paper group, making Bitove the controlling owner today.
Funding
Financed commercially through print and digital advertising and reader subscriptions (including a digital paywall), supplemented by Canadian government media support such as journalism-labour tax credits available to qualifying outlets.
Affiliation & stance
The Star has a long-standing liberal/centre-left editorial tradition rooted in its historic 'Atkinson Principles,' but it is privately and commercially owned with no party or state control, so it is classified INDEPENDENT. Editorial direction rests with the private owner (Bitove/NordStar) rather than any party or government.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 213
72/100
Factual
69/100
Objective
244
Articles
241
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
U.S. alcohol could be coming back to Canadian shelves. Here’s what Globe readers had to say
Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Canadian premiers to reintroduce U.S. alcohol to provincial liquor stores, as part of ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. Currently, all provinces and territories except Alberta and Saskatchewan maintain bans on U.S. liquor sales, citing retaliatory measures against former U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. In response to the potential resumption of U.S. alcohol availability, The Globe and Mail surveyed its readers, receiving over 1,700 responses within 24 hours. The majority expressed continued opposition to purchasing U.S. liquor, with many emphasizing broader boycott efforts against American products. Readers shared personal anecdotes and opinions, highlighting the emotional and financial aspects of resisting U.S. trade policies, while some noted that their decisions extend beyond alcohol to include other goods.
A timeline of Trump’s trade war with Canada
This article outlines the escalating trade conflict between the United States under President Donald Trump and Canada during Trump's second term. It describes how Trump imposed significant tariffs on Canadian imports, including a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of goods, leading to retaliatory measures by Canada under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The narrative highlights the tension between Trump's protectionist policies and Canada's efforts to defend its economic interests, emphasizing the impact on businesses and consumers. The article traces the development of the dispute from early 2025, noting Trump's initial tariff announcements, subsequent pauses, and the eventual imposition of high tariffs, alongside Canada's countermeasures.
Last-second U.S. demands would have restricted Canadian deals with other nations, PM explains
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau explained that last-minute demands from the United States could have limited Canada's ability to conduct trade agreements with other countries. The remarks were made during a discussion on international trade relations, highlighting potential tensions between Canada and the U.S. over trade policies. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining autonomy in trade negotiations while navigating complex diplomatic relationships. The statement reflects ongoing concerns about U.S. influence on Canadian foreign policy decisions.
Justin Ling: Donald Trump’s war on Canada will fail — just like last time
The article by Justin Ling in The Toronto Star argues that Donald Trump's attempts to undermine Canada will ultimately fail, drawing parallels to his previous failed efforts. Ling suggests that Trump's policies and rhetoric targeting Canada are unlikely to succeed due to historical patterns and Canada's strong institutional resilience. The piece emphasizes Canada's ability to withstand external pressures and maintain its sovereignty, while also highlighting the potential negative impacts of Trump's actions on bilateral relations. The author frames Trump's approach as confrontational and ineffective, suggesting that past experiences indicate similar outcomes.
Carson Jerema: Mark Carney's path from here is surprisingly obvious
The article titled 'Carson Jerema: Mark Carney's path from here is surprisingly obvious' by the National Post discusses potential future directions for former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney. The piece suggests that Carney's next steps, likely related to his career in finance or public service, are becoming increasingly clear. While the article does not provide specific details about Carney's plans, it implies that his professional trajectory is being closely watched by industry insiders and observers. The focus appears to be on Carney's legacy and the implications of his decisions for financial policy and leadership.
Stephen Maher: Canada is more united against Donald Trump than ever — but this trade war is still going to hurt
The article discusses Canada's unified stance against Donald Trump amidst ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Canada. While there is a sense of national solidarity against Trump's policies, the trade war is expected to have negative economic impacts on Canada. The piece highlights the contrast between political unity and the potential economic challenges posed by the trade conflict.
How Doug Ford’s OSAP changes are forcing Ontario students to make a choice: Go deep into debt or drop out
The article discusses how changes to Ontario's student financial aid program, introduced by Premier Doug Ford, are creating difficult choices for students. The reforms, which include stricter eligibility criteria and reduced funding, are reportedly leading some students to either take on significant debt or leave school altogether. The piece highlights concerns among educators and students about the impact of these policies on access to post-secondary education. It emphasizes the potential long-term effects on graduates' financial stability and the broader implications for educational attainment in the province.
Former Hong Kong vigil organizer strives to mark Tiananmen crackdown despite convictions
A former organizer of a Hong Kong vigil commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown has expressed determination to continue marking the event, despite facing legal convictions. The individual's efforts highlight ongoing tensions between pro-democracy activists and authorities in Hong Kong. The situation reflects broader concerns over freedom of expression and political dissent in the region. The person's actions come amid heightened scrutiny and restrictions on gatherings related to sensitive historical events.
Nigeria orders investigation into second fake government agency
The Nigerian government has ordered an investigation into a second instance of a fraudulent government agency. This follows previous reports of similar scams, which have raised concerns about the legitimacy of certain organizations operating under false pretenses. The fake agencies often mimic official entities to deceive the public and carry out illegal activities. Authorities are working to identify those responsible and prevent further fraud. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges with corruption and misinformation within the country.
Today is the last day to register to run in the Toronto 2026 election. Here’s what you need to know
The Toronto Star reports that today is the final deadline for individuals to register to run in the Toronto 2026 election. The article outlines essential information for prospective candidates, including registration requirements and procedures. It highlights the significance of meeting this deadline to ensure eligibility to participate in the upcoming electoral process. The piece serves as a informational guide rather than taking a political stance.
Meghan Markle has a 'huge' new TV role, reports say
The article reports that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is said to have secured a significant new television role, though specific details about the project remain undisclosed. The information comes from unnamed sources within the entertainment industry, highlighting growing speculation about her career moves post-royalty. While the nature of the role is described as 'huge,' no official confirmation has been provided by Markle’s representatives or the production team. This development underscores ongoing interest in her public persona and potential ventures beyond royal duties.
Ex-city councillor Mary Fragedakis announces run for Toronto-Danforth — amidst BIA lawsuit
Ex-Toronto city councillor Mary Fragedakis has announced her candidacy in the upcoming municipal election for the Toronto-Danforth ward. Her decision comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to a lawsuit against the Board of Internal Appeals (BIA). The lawsuit reportedly involves allegations concerning her previous tenure as a city councillor, though specific details have not been fully disclosed. The timing of her announcement highlights the potential impact of legal challenges on local political campaigns. As the election approaches, her candidacy could influence voter dynamics in the ward.
Iranian families struggle to afford the basics as US ratchets up economic warfare
The article discusses the impact of U.S. economic sanctions on Iranian families, highlighting their increasing difficulty in affording basic necessities such as food and medicine. The narrative frames the U.S. actions as 'economic warfare,' suggesting a deliberate strategy to harm Iran's economy and civilian population. It emphasizes the humanitarian crisis resulting from these policies, including rising inflation and shortages. While the article provides anecdotal evidence from Iranian citizens, it does not include direct quotes or official data to substantiate claims. The tone leans toward portraying the U.S. measures as aggressive and harmful, without presenting alternative perspectives or counterarguments.