Investigations

An investigation reveals information that would otherwise not be public. In some cases, that information was hidden on purpose. In others, it wasn’t available for more banal reasons. Sometimes the dots between bits and pieces of publicly available information just weren’t connected before.

An investigation may reveal wrongdoing, or it might shine a light on something not well known or documented. It’s often a public service — allowing people and communities to learn how the actions of powerful governments, institutions and industries are affecting their lives.

At The Narwhal, an investigation is a rigorous process. We vet and verify all information before publishing any story, but especially those that suggest wrongdoing. Documents are verified to be authentic prior to being used as sources of information. We work to cross-reference findings with multiple sources and often get legal advice.

And, in the interest of fairness, every person and institution we write about is contacted and given a chance to respond to all allegations made in a story.

Journalists obtain information in many ways. For investigations, those often involve whistleblowers or tips, leaked documents or information, conducting background searches on people or companies and more. We also analyse data sets to look for trends or outliers — sometimes an investigation means seeing something hiding in plain sight.

The Narwhal’s journalists regularly file freedom of information requests to public bodies with the aim of holding leaders accountable and ensuring the public is well informed about government decisions.

And we are always open to hearing from the public and whistleblowers. If you want to send an anonymous tip, visit this page.

See below for a complete archive of investigations at The Narwhal.