The Calgary Journal fact-checks information that is in the public interest. We scrutinize topics important to Albertans that are at the top of the public’s mind. We sort through misinformation, disinformation, noise, and spin to give our audience facts. We pay close attention to current events in Alberta, including curious and suspicious claims circulating in the media, online, and on social media.
RECENT POSTS
Fact File: Checks in place to prevent non-Albertans from mailing in referendum votes
A viral post on the social media platform X this week claimed that mail-in voting for Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum is “open to anybody,” without verifying whether applicants live in the province. Other social media users posted screenshots suggesting they could apply for a mail-in ballot using fake addresses outside the province. But Elections Alberta…
Fact File: Federal hate crimes legislation does not criminalize quoting the Bible
Multiple social media posts claim that federal legislation amending the Criminal Code to address hate-motivated crimes has made it a…
Fact file: Video of MAID patient playing cello isn’t Canadian government advertising
A short video shared to social media last week offered a glimpse into the “final days” of a woman at the end of her life. Some…
Is streaming really a music killer?
It has become increasingly common to hear people say something along the lines of “streaming is killing music”, whether that…
Fact-checking Trump’s claim that free trade between Canada, Mexico and U.S. is ‘irrelevant’
In January, while touring a Ford Motor Plant, President Donald Trump claimed that “there’s no real advantage” to CUMSA or…
Fact File: Clickbait pages spread false information about Tumbler Ridge survivor
Multiple Facebook pages are claiming to share updates on the condition of a girl who survived a British Columbia school…
Fact-checking Alberta transportation minister’s ‘cash cow’ photo radar claim
Whether it’s a package, promotional flyers or utility bills, most of us know what to expect when checking the mail.…
Fact File: Claim Canadian soldiers’ brutal actions inspired Geneva Conventions a myth
It’s an enduring stereotype that Canadians are unfailingly nice, quick to apologize even when they have done nothing wrong. But…
Fact File: As Iran war escalates, fake videos and images proliferate online
As the U.S.-Israel war on Iran escalates, a flood of fake and misleading content is muddying the waters online. People…
Fact-checking social media claims linking hair dyeing to mental health problems
Many people change aspects of themselves to fit in or stand out, and sometimes even as a coping mechanism during…
Fact-checking claims that cold plungesboost testosterone
Imagine lowering yourself into a tub of ice-cold water after seeing thousands of social media posts promising higher testosterone, improved…
Fact-checking Sparwood’s ‘world’s largest truck’ claim
The signs on the edges of Sparwood, B.C., entice tourists to visit the “World’s Largest Truck.” But the truck in…
Fact-checking claims of no ongoing Epstein criminal investigations
In a recent interview with CNN, U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that no new criminal charges are likely…
Fact-checking claims of widespread book bans in Alberta schools
Editor’s note: After the Calgary Journal published this story, CBC News reported that schools across the province “removed at least 166 titles,…
Fact-checking claims that raising the minimum wage leads to job losses
Following Saskatchewan’s minimum wage increase last year, Alberta’s entry-level pay is now the lowest in the nation. Rachel Notley’s NDP…
Fact-checking if the carnivore diet makes you smell like flowers
Lifestyle influencer Isabella Ma, otherwise known on social media as @steakandbuttergal, claims that following a carnivore diet for seven years…
Fact File: Claim that Toyota is moving U.S. plant to Canada is false, company says
Social media posts last month claimed Toyota had decided to move an auto manufacturing plant from Huntsville, Ala., to Ontario.…
Fact-checking claims that honey and black pepper improve respiratory health
Do you know of any food that can last for more than 3,000 years without spoiling? Archaeologists have found jars…
Fact-checking who actually posted Trump’s racist Obama ape video?
The video didn’t stay up long. But it stayed up long enough. In early February, a video posted on U.S.…
Fact-checking PETA’s claim that animals suffer in medical and scientific laboratories
A screaming monkey grips its cage’s bars. Another primate appears distressed as it is being supervised by a lab worker.…
Fact-checking Alberta Premier Smith’s claims about puberty blockers
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith repeatedly claims the effects of puberty blockers are irreversible and threaten an adolescent’s ability to have…
Will Canadian Footlball League changes boost scoring or erase tradition?
The CFL announced major rule changes last year, including a shorter field and smaller end zones for the 2027 season.…
Fact-check: Are 23andMe customers’ genetic data protected in Canada?
About a decade ago, DNA testing kits like 23andMe and Ancestry were at the height of their popularity, claiming to…
Fact-checking if FIFA increased World Cup soccer ticket prices by 5 times
For the first time in the tournament’s history, part of the FIFA World Cup will be played in Canada this…
Fact-checking Trump’s claim UFC White House card could feature 8–9 title fight
The world of Mixed Martial Arts skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, especially with the traction of the…
Fact-checking if Hyrox is truly the ultimate fitness challenge
On social media, Hyrox is everywhere: gritty race footage, exhausted competitors collapsing at finish lines, and bold captions calling it…
Fact-checking MrBeast’s cash-poor claim while owning a media company valued at $2.6 billion
Famous YouTuber MrBeast has made a fortune with his online presence and is known for his theatrical videos of elaborate…
Fact File: Why its tough to verify some of Carney’s claims about ‘protected’ jobs
Prime Minister Mark Carney has made a series of claims recently about how much the federal government’s support for tariff-stricken…
Fact-checking claims that painting your bedroom walls will help you sleep better
We’ve all had nights when we just couldn’t fall asleep. But what if certain colours in your room could help…
Fact File: Photos of Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry on Grammys red carpet are fake
On Sunday, photos appeared online that appeared to show former prime minister Justin Trudeau and his partner, Katy Perry, on…
Fact File: Canadian store’s security photo manipulated to show mountain lion break-in
Social media posts this month claimed a mountain lion played with toys and got high on catnip after breaking into…