Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About The Provincial Times

• What is The Provincial Times?: The Provincial Times is an independent, reader-funded publication dedicated to Canadian domestic policy, democratic accountability, and the scrutiny of public institutions. We cover federal, provincial, and local politics without deference to power or partisan convenience
• Why does this publication exist?: Democracy without rigorous, independent scrutiny is merely performance. This outlet was created to put a name, credentials, and legal liability behind that mission.
• Who runs The Provincial Times?: This publication was founded and is led by Editor-in-Chief Will Adams. The Provincial Times operates as a sole proprietorship, a deliberate structure chosen to preserve the founder’s editorial vision and independence. It is not owned by a corporation, steered by a board of commercial interests, or beholden to any political party or foreign lobby.
• Is The Provincial Times partisan?: We are unapologetically progressive in our values: we believe in democracy, civil liberties, workers’ rights, social equality, press freedom, and evidence-based policymaking. Those commitments shape our editorial lens, and we state them plainly. However, we are not an arm of any political party, faction, or movement. Neutrality, as we practice it, is the consistent application of intellectual rigour, not a hollow pretence that all ideas are equally sound.
• Who sits on your editorial board, and how do you manage political diversity?: Our editorial board brings together individuals from across the political spectrum, and we actively publish a range of views provided they are honestly argued and grounded in verifiable fact. This composition forces genuine deliberation and compromise, and it helps ensure that no single partisan worldview dominates our editorial judgment.
• What kind of content do you publish?: We publish original reporting, investigations, editorials and opinion, analytical explanation, and cultural and political commentary. Sponsored political content, undisclosed advertorials, and outrage-driven clickbait have no place on our platform. Opinion pieces carry the author’s surname before the headline so readers can distinguish analysis from news.
• How often do you publish?: We aim to publish at least one piece of original work every day.

Funding and Independence

• How is The Provincial Times funded?: We are supported through memberships, subscriptions, individual donations, and occasional crowdfunding campaigns for specific reporting projects. We do not accept money from political parties, corporate lobbyists, or governments seeking favourable coverage.
• Do you accept any funding from political parties or candidates for coverage?: We do not accept payment from political parties, candidates, or governments in exchange for favourable coverage. We may accept travel or logistical accommodations to enable our journalists to cover party conventions, policy announcements, and leadership debates; any such arrangement is disclosed transparently in the resulting coverage, and the acceptance of logistical assistance in no way guarantees favourable treatment or influences editorial judgment.
• Do donors or supporters influence your coverage?: No. Financial support keeps the publication operating. It does not purchase editorial control, story vetoes, or the right to shape narratives.
• What do subscribers receive, and do donors get access?: Paying subscribers receive exclusive op-eds that are not available to the general public. Donors are offered complimentary trial access for a limited period.
• Does The Provincial Times plan to seek charitable or non-profit status?: We may explore such a structure in the future. For now, we remain a sole proprietorship by design, and any change to our legal status will be guided solely by what best preserves our editorial independence and mission.

Editorial Standards and Process

• What are your editorial standards?: Our standards are simple, demanding, and non-negotiable: facts are paramount, claims require evidence, reporting and opinion are clearly separated, errors are corrected publicly and promptly, and editorial independence is absolute. This is not vibes-based journalism, engagement farming, or activism disguised as reporting. The full Content Policy can be found here.
• What is your fact-checking process?: Before publication, news pieces are assessed against multiple sources, verified documents, and, where necessary, expert consultation. We do not publish unverified assertions as fact.
• What is your policy on anonymous sources and whistleblowers?: We will grant anonymity to sources and whistleblowers when they come to us directly with sensitive information, and we will protect their identity to the fullest extent possible. However, the burden of proof rests with the source to provide credible evidence for any claim.
• How do you handle conflicts of interest?: Writers and editors are expected to disclose any personal, financial, or political interests that could reasonably be seen to influence their work. Editorial independence is enforced, and the publication does not take orders. Where a potential conflict exists, it is disclosed to readers.
• Do you use generative AI?: The Provincial Times does not use generative artificial intelligence to write, draft, rewrite, or quietly “assist” with articles. Every piece of published work is original, produced by the named author.

Corrections, Unpublishing, and Complaints

• Do you issue corrections?: Corrections are made clearly and publicly. When an error is identified, we correct it and append a note indicating what was changed.
• Do you ever remove or heavily rewrite articles?: We rarely unpublish an article. In exceptional circumstances where a piece is significantly rewritten, we append a detailed editor’s note explaining why the changes were made, what specifically was altered, and a link to the original version.
• How can I submit a formal complaint about your coverage?: Every complaint is read, and we respond when we can. A dedicated Google Form is available for this purpose, and you may also write to us directly.

Contributors and Freelancers

• Can I write for The Provincial Times?: Yes, provided you take journalism seriously. We work with reporters, contributors, analysts, and students who are willing to meet our editorial standards. All submissions are reviewed, and editing is non-negotiable. Visit the Contribute / Editorial Board page for details.
• What does your editing process involve?: We edit for grammar, structure, and alignment with our house quality standards. This includes correcting spelling mistakes and ensuring the use of Canadian spelling conventions. Editing does not extend to changing a writer’s core argument without consent.
• Do contributors get paid?: When funding allows, paying contributors is a priority. Rates depend on the scope of the project and available resources. We are upfront about compensation before any work is commissioned.
• Do you provide press credentials to your reporters?: Yes. We issue Provincial Times identification cards to our journalists and, separately, assist them in applying for formal accreditation at events and conventions where it is required.
• Can I request a topic or investigation?: You may. Readers have inspired several op-eds and reported pieces by drawing our attention to under-examined subjects. That said, a request does not guarantee publication; all editorial decisions remain with the desk.

Contact, Platforms, and Republishing

• Where can I follow your work?: The Editor’s Substack provides regular commentary, and the official social media presence of the Provincial Times can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky. We will update this list as our reach expands.
• How can I contact you?: Through our website’s contact page, official social channels, or listed email addresses. We read everything. We respond when we are able.
• Can your work be republished?: In some circumstances, with prior permission and appropriate attribution. Contact us before republishing any content.
• Do you publish press releases?: Press releases may inform our reporting, but they are not news and will not be published verbatim.

The Future

• What happens to the Provincial Times if the editor can no longer run it?: At present, there is no formal succession plan. The publication is a sole proprietorship, and its continuity is under active consideration. We will communicate any developments transparently.
• How can I support the Provincial Times?: If you value independent, reader-funded journalism, you can become a member, donate, share our work, and defend press freedom when it is inconvenient. That is how institutions like this endure.