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 269
73/100
Factual
68/100
Objective
317
Articles
317
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
Mississauga’s unpredictable mayoral election goes from two-way to three-way race
The mayoral election in Mississauga, Canada, has shifted from a two-candidate race to a three-way contest due to unexpected developments. Initially seen as a close race between two candidates, the situation changed when a third candidate entered the fray, altering the dynamics of the campaign. The article highlights the unpredictability of the election and the growing complexity of the race as more candidates vie for the position. This shift has raised questions about voter engagement and the potential impact on local governance.
How is stigma around menopause symptoms affecting women and the economy? Ask us your questions
The article discusses the societal stigma surrounding menopause symptoms and its impact on women's health and economic participation. It highlights that symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and heart issues affect most women aged 45-55, yet many feel uncomfortable discussing these with healthcare providers. This stigma leads some women to reduce work hours, avoid promotions, switch careers, or exit the labor force, resulting in significant economic costs estimated at $3.5 billion annually. The Menopause Foundation of Canada is urging increased research funding and better support for women undergoing menopause. The article promotes an upcoming Q&A session with journalist Tavia Grant and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe to address concerns related to menopause stigma, treatment options, and workplace impacts.
Report linking Alberta separatists to Americans sparks alarm in Ottawa
A recent report has raised concerns in Ottawa by suggesting connections between Alberta separatist groups and American entities. This development has prompted alarm among Canadian authorities, who are likely concerned about potential foreign influence on internal Canadian politics. The report highlights the growing interest in Alberta's sovereignty movement and its possible ties to external actors. Such allegations could complicate Canada's domestic stability and raise questions about national security. The situation underscores the sensitivity of regional independence movements within Canada.
Will Canada get a new spy agency? Minister says Carney government is ‘looking at all of our options’
The Canadian government, under the leadership of Minister Carney, is reportedly considering the establishment of a new intelligence agency. This potential move has sparked discussions about national security strategies and the expansion of surveillance capabilities within the country. The minister indicated that various options are being evaluated, though specific details regarding the nature and scope of the proposed agency remain unclear. The development comes amid ongoing debates about privacy rights and government oversight in intelligence operations.
Mother and son aboard Ontario-based air ambulance lost off Massachusetts coast identified
An air ambulance operating out of Ontario, Canada, crashed in the waters off the Massachusetts coast while en route from Bermuda to Boston. The aircraft, a Gulfstream G100, carried two Bermudian nationals, Marilyn Lavonne Bean, 66, and Sergio Wayne Lottimore, 41, as well as four crew members. Search operations, which lasted over 66 hours and covered more than 4,400 miles, ended without finding any survivors, leading the U.S. Coast Guard to suspend rescue efforts. Bermuda officials expressed deep sorrow, with local institutions like Warwick Academy and Hamilton Re acknowledging Lottimore's contributions. The owner of the plane, Latitude Air Ambulance, confirmed that all individuals onboard are presumed dead and stated that the company would focus on supporting the families and cooperating with investigations. The incident is being investigated, with preliminary reports suggesting the plane may have encountered challenging weather conditions.
Justin Ling: There’s more than just Quebec’s future riding on this provincial election
The article by Justin Ling discusses the upcoming provincial election in Quebec, highlighting that the outcome extends beyond mere political considerations. Ling suggests that the election has broader implications for the province's social and economic landscape, including issues related to governance, policy direction, and regional identity. The piece emphasizes the significance of voter engagement and the potential impact of different political parties on Quebec's future. While the focus is on the election itself, Ling implies that the results could influence various aspects of life in the province.
Trillium CEO says $1-billion fundraising goal isn’t what keeps her up at night — overcrowded ERs are
The CEO of Trillium Health Partners, a major Canadian healthcare provider, stated during an interview that while achieving a $1 billion fundraising goal is important, the more pressing concern is the issue of overcrowded emergency rooms. The comments highlight growing concerns within the healthcare sector about capacity and resource allocation, particularly in critical care units. The CEO emphasized that systemic challenges in emergency care require urgent attention, suggesting that financial goals alone cannot address these operational and logistical issues. This discussion comes amid broader conversations about healthcare accessibility and funding priorities in Canada.
Susan Delacourt: Americans aren’t welcome in our sovereignty debates. That may not stop them
The article discusses the role of American influence in Canadian sovereignty discussions, suggesting that while Americans are generally not invited into these debates, their involvement might still occur. The author, Susan Delacourt, explores the dynamics of Canadian identity and autonomy in relation to U.S. policies and actions. The piece highlights the tension between maintaining national independence and the inevitable impact of cross-border relationships.
Éric Blais: Spain outlaws votes on separation. Meanwhile Quebec and Alberta will determine Canada’s fate
The article by Éric Blais discusses the contrast between Spain's legal prohibition of independence referendums and the potential for similar movements in Canadian provinces like Quebec and Alberta. It highlights the differing approaches to self-determination across nations, suggesting that while Spain has taken a firm stance against separatist voting, other regions in Canada may pursue their own paths toward autonomy or independence.
PM Mark Carney pledged to ‘Buy Canadian.’ Since then, $7.8 billion in contracts went to American corporations
The article reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney made a pledge to 'Buy Canadian,' yet since then, over $7.8 billion in contracts has been awarded to American corporations. This highlights a discrepancy between the stated policy goal of supporting domestic businesses and the actual outcomes, which appear to favor foreign companies. The focus is on the financial implications of this policy shift and the potential impact on Canada’s economy and national interests.
Carney government’s online harms bill won’t specifically target pro-suicide websites
The article reports that the Carney government's proposed Online Harms Bill does not include specific provisions aimed at targeting websites that promote suicide. The legislation focuses on broader online harms rather than directly addressing content related to self-harm or suicide encouragement. Critics argue that this omission could leave vulnerable individuals exposed to harmful material online. The bill has sparked debate over the balance between protecting users and respecting free speech. Advocacy groups have called for clearer guidelines to address harmful content without infringing on constitutional rights.
Opinion | Your condo board can ban your e-bike — even inside your own unit
The article presents an opinion piece discussing the potential power of condominium boards in Canada to prohibit residents from owning or using electric bikes, including within their private units. It highlights concerns about safety, property damage, and noise, suggesting that such bans could be enforced through bylaws. The piece argues that while e-bikes offer convenience and environmental benefits, they may pose challenges for condominium living. The author calls for greater awareness among residents about their community’s rules and the legal authority of condo boards.
Pedestrian dead in early morning collision
A pedestrian was killed in an early morning collision. The incident occurred during the night, suggesting possible factors such as reduced visibility or impaired judgment due to darkness. Authorities are likely investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine fault and provide clarity on how the collision took place. No further details about the victim or the vehicle involved were provided in the available text.