Scope
NorthFacts is a reference site, not a news outlet or a blog. I started it to give Canadians a quick, reliable way to check facts on a wide range of topics, from notable figures to geographic details and everything in between. But to keep the site useful and honest, I have to be clear about what it does not cover. If you’re looking for opinion, breaking news, or long-form journalism, you’ll need to go elsewhere.
What NorthFacts does not cover
Opinion pieces. I don’t publish editorials, commentary, or personal takes. Every entry is a straightforward presentation of verifiable facts. If you want analysis or persuasion, there are plenty of other outlets for that.
Breaking news. I don’t chase the news cycle. A topic gets a page only after it has settled enough that I can confirm the details from reliable sources. If something is still developing, you won’t find it here — check a news site instead.
Long-form journalism. NorthFacts is built around concise answer cards. Each page gives you the quick answer, key dates, and context in as few words as possible. I don’t do investigative reports, feature stories, or deep dives. For that, you’re better off with a newspaper or magazine.
Why these limits?
I’m a reference librarian by trade, and I’ve spent nine years at the Ottawa Public Library helping people find answers. The most common frustration I hear is that online information is either too thin or buried under fluff. NorthFacts is my attempt to cut through that. By sticking to a narrow format, I can keep the site accurate and easy to use — and I can maintain it on my own, without a newsroom or editorial board.
That also means I have to be selective. With 933 entries across seven sections — including sports, entertainment, history, nature, and culture — I can’t cover everything. If a topic doesn’t fit the format, or if I can’t verify it to my standards, I leave it out.
When to look elsewhere
If you need a quick fact check, NorthFacts is a good starting point. But if you’re looking for:
- Analysis or editorial opinion
- Up-to-the-minute news coverage
- In-depth investigative reporting
- Personal advice or recommendations
…then please use a dedicated news source, a professional journal, or a subject-matter expert. I’d rather you get the right information from the right place than rely on a site that isn’t built for that purpose.
If you’re unsure whether a topic belongs here, feel free to contact me. I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.