This policy explains how Northern Focus handles copyright, image rights, and takedown requests. It applies to all content published on northernfocus.org. Please read it together with our /terms-of-use/ and /editorial-policy/ for a full understanding of your rights and obligations.
Copyright ownership
All original articles, photographs, graphics, videos, and other editorial material published on Northern Focus are protected by Canadian and international copyright law. Unless otherwise stated, Northern Beacon Media Inc. holds the copyright. Content may not be reproduced, distributed, modified, or transmitted without prior written permission, except as permitted by fair dealing under the Copyright Act (Canada).
If you wish to republish any of our work, please contact us at copyright@northernfocus.org. We routinely grant permission for non-commercial, attributed reuse under clear guidelines.
Image rights
Northern Focus commissions or licenses all images used in its reporting. We do not use unlicensed stock photography or user-generated content without verification and permission. Every image is credited to its source, and any third-party licences (such as Creative Commons) are noted in the caption or metadata.
If you believe an image on our site infringes your copyright or moral rights, or if a correct attribution is missing, please notify us immediately. We will investigate and correct or remove the material within a reasonable time.
Takedown requests
We respect the intellectual property of others. If you are a copyright owner or an authorised agent and believe that any content on Northern Focus infringes your copyright, you may submit a takedown request. We will respond promptly to valid notices that comply with the Copyright Act and applicable provincial law.
To file a request, send an email to copyright@northernfocus.org with the following information:
- Your full name, address, telephone number, and email address.
- A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed.
- The exact URL(s) or other location of the allegedly infringing material on our site.
- A statement that you have a good-faith belief that the use is not authorised by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
- A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorised to act on behalf of the owner.
- Your physical or electronic signature.
Incomplete notices may be rejected. We reserve the right to request additional information if needed to verify the claim.
Processing and counter-notices
Upon receiving a valid takedown notice, we will remove or disable access to the material and notify the affected party. The party may file a counter-notice if they believe the removal was based on a mistake or misidentification. Counter-notices must include substantially the same details as a takedown notice, plus a consent to the jurisdiction of Ontario courts. If we receive a valid counter-notice, we may restore the content after 10 business days unless the original complainant seeks a court order.
Repeat infringers
We maintain a policy, consistent with the Copyright Act, to terminate in appropriate circumstances the accounts of repeat infringers. This policy applies to commenters, contributors, and any user who repeatedly uploads or posts infringing material.
Additional information
For questions about image licensing or copyright, contact copyright@northernfocus.org. For general inquiries about our editorial standards, see our Editorial Policy and Contact page. This policy is part of our Terms of Use and should be read together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.
Last updated: June 2025. Northern Focus is owned by Northern Beacon Media Inc., Ontario Business Registry number 1003194827. Registered office: Unit 12, 95 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1G4, Canada.