Canada Scene (canadascene.org) is an independent digital news publisher owned and operated by Northern Beacon Media Inc., an Ontario corporation (Ontario Business Registry number 1003194827). This Safeguarding & Minors Policy outlines our approach to covering children and young people, reflecting our commitment to responsible journalism as defined in our Editorial Policy.
Who is responsible for safeguarding minors at Canada Scene?
Editor‑in‑Chief Catherine Roy bears ultimate responsibility for all editorial decisions, including those affecting minors. Standards & Fact‑Checking Lead Andrew Leblanc conducts the mandatory additional review of any content involving children. Our full editorial team is listed on the Our Team page.
Northern Beacon Media Inc., as the owner, supports these roles with clear governance. Any questions about this policy can be directed to the Editor‑in‑Chief or the Standards Lead.
How does our coverage approach children and young people?
We publish content featuring minors only when it serves a clear public interest and after obtaining appropriate consent from a parent or guardian. We avoid sensationalising or exploiting the experiences of children. All staff are trained to consider the long‑term impact on a minor’s privacy and safety.
For example, we do not identify minors accused of crimes unless the case is legally publishable and the public interest outweighs the youth’s privacy. In community stories, we use first names only or pseudonyms unless explicit consent is given and verified by the assigning editor.
What additional review is required for content involving minors?
Any article, photograph, video, or audio that includes a minor must be reviewed by Standards & Fact‑Checking Lead Andrew Leblanc before it is published. This review verifies compliance with our Fact‑Checking Policy and this safeguarding policy, ensuring that all identifying details are justified and that the minor’s welfare is the primary consideration.
Andrew Leblanc works directly with the assigning editor and writer to assess consent, necessity, and potential harm. He may require redaction, anonymisation, or postponement of publication if the criteria are not met.
How can readers raise a concern about content involving minors?
Readers who believe any Canada Scene content fails to meet our safeguarding standards should email complaints@canadascene.org. We acknowledge every complaint within two business days and investigate it under our Complaints Procedure, which is available on our website.
Complaints are reviewed by Andrew Leblanc and Catherine Roy. If a correction or removal is warranted, we act promptly and transparently, updating the article with an editor’s note where applicable.
Our commitments
- Obtain verifiable parental or guardian consent before identifying any minor in our reporting.
- Anonymise or remove identifying details of minors unless a compelling public interest clearly justifies their inclusion.
- Require mandatory additional review by the Standards & Fact‑Checking Lead for all content featuring children.
- Provide ongoing training for all editorial staff on ethical reporting involving minors and vulnerable individuals.
- Respond to public concerns about minor‑related content within two business days and report outcomes transparently.