Sign in

Emma McIntosh

@emmamci.bsky.social
11K followers 816 following 201 posts

Investigative reporter at @thestar.com. Fan of FOI and lake swims. Hosted Paydirt, a podcast miniseries about the Greenbelt scandal. Signal: emmamci.76

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Canada's National Observer @nationalobserver.com · 28/09/2026
This morning — following two investigations into Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford's use of an app that rewards supporters for posting AI-generated comments and sharing contacts — Bradford called our reporting "inaccurate." We're now releasing the recording that proves our reporting.
nationalobserver.com
Bradford calls CNO reporting of AI app rewards ‘inaccurate.’ Here’s the recording proving our reporting.
Canada’s National Observer has decided to publish the segment of the Zoom call that corroborates its reporting.
4335167
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Project South corruption probe began with an alleged plan to kill a Toronto jail official. But it also unearthed a web of other alleged schemes involving misuse of police powers. My latest is one of those tales, about an actress/private eye and a GPS tracker: www.thestar.com/news/crime/h...
thestar.com
How a former actress turned private eye ended up in the crosshairs of the Project South police corruption probe
Newly released court records detail how a former actress turned private eye ended up in the crosshairs of the Project South corruption probe.
1229
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
👀 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
With time running out, new poll suggests Alberta separatism support is slipping | CBC News
With a little more than three weeks to go until the Oct. 19 referendum, a new poll done for CBC News suggests support for separation has softened since spring.
1168
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 04/09/2026
Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney urges elections watchdog to investigate a mysterious $190,000 surge flowing into a provincial separatist party.
53713
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Another follow up to this story: Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney urges elections watchdog to investigate a mysterious cash surge flowing into the separatist Republican Party of Alberta. www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
thestar.com
Jason Kenney calls for investigation into Alberta separatist party after a mysterious $190,000 surge in donations
Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney urges elections watchdog to investigate a mysterious $190,000 surge flowing into a provincial separatist party.
1116
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A follow-up to this follow-up: The B.C. Conservative Party continued to unravel as two more MLAs stepped down from its caucus Wednesday, pointing to ties between senior staffers and the Alberta separatist movement. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
Alberta separatist ties hasten implosion of Canada’s B.C. Conservative Party as 9 MLAs have now resigned in a month
Alberta separatist ties among senior staff lead B.C. MLAs Donegal Wilson and Scott McInnis to resign, making nine caucus departures in a month.
14017
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
An update on this from @alexboyd.bsky.social and me: Further ties have emerged between the separatist Republican Party of Alberta and the top levels of the B.C. Conservative Party, deepening a political relationship that has raised eyebrows in the west. Story: www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
thestar.com
This B.C. party’s deepening ties to Alberta’s separatist movement raise eyebrows in the west
Jake Bregolisse is the second B.C. Conservative hire with links to the separatist Republican Party of Alberta, deepening controversial western ties.
19976
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
From the wonderful @savannahridley.bsky.social and me: The federal government is fast-tracking a gold mine upstream from Grassy Narrows First Nation, even though its own scientists have sounded alarms about the project. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
This proposed Ontario gold mine could pollute water ‘in perpetuity.’ Why is Ottawa fast-tracking it?
Federal reports warn Kinross Gold’s proposed Great Bear mine in Ontario could release arsenic and require water treatment ‘in perpetuity.’
12010
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
🧵
135
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Perry King @kngprry.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Excellent excellent work by my former colleagues @emmamci.bsky.social and @alexboyd.bsky.social. READ THIS. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
A mysterious cash surge for Alberta’s separatist party is tied to out-of-province donors
A Toronto Star investigation reveals some of the biggest donations to the Republican Party of Alberta appear to come from B.C. political insiders.
275
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Andrew Kurjata @akurjata.ca · 11/08/2026
This year has felt weird to me and I figured out why: because it doesn't feel weird. Whats happening in Summerland right now is devastating. But it's also routine. Jasper. West Kelowna. Fort Nelson. Fort McMurray. 100 Mile House. Communities are evacuated now. Every year. youtu.be/wLI3Qiv0cmU?...
youtu.be
'Every year is going to be a bad fire year': wildfire expert | Power & Politics
YouTube video by CBC News
613146
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Latest w/ @alexboyd.bsky.social on the separatist Republican Party of Alberta: A Star analysis shows apparent irregularities in the party's 2025 donations - including four that appear to come from B.C. donors. And then it gets weirder. (gift link in next post) www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
A mysterious cash surge for Alberta’s separatist party is tied to out-of-province donors
A Toronto Star investigation reveals some of the biggest donations to the Republican Party of Alberta appear to come from B.C. political insiders.
17750
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
New: an update to this reporting! Sex-themed betting site OnlySpins, which was open to Ontarians despite not having a licence to operate here, has shut down following stories from The Star, @investigate-europe.eu and many international partner outlets. Gift link: www.thestar.com/gift-redeem?...
0148
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 24/07/2026
The Star's @emmamci.bsky.social spoke recently to Newstalk 1010 about her investigation into a network of blacklisted and 'predatory' gambling sites. The full story: trib.al/0IO3QGa
1112
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Latest from me, @sheilawang.bsky.social and our pals at the ICIJ.
133
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
My latest, collaboration with Investigate Europe + many media partners: ToonieBet is taking off in Ontario’s regulated online gambling market. Its parent company, Soft2bet, appears to be linked to a network of blacklisted casinos targeting Canadians, our investigation has found. Gift link below
Front page of the Saturday Toronto Star, with the headline "Online casino links to 'predatory' offshore sites"
1159
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Update to my story from the weekend:
21812
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 17/06/2026
The requests come in the wake of a Star investigation that looked into Rombout's time working for the provincial Ministry of Mines, where he directed bureaucrats at multiple ministries on how to advance a mining project, and his subsequent move the private sector. More from @emmamci.bsky.social:
thestar.com
As a Ford government staffer, he helped get through permits for a controversial gold mine. Now he works for the company as a lobbyist
Internal documents raise questions on whether Kevin Rombout's move violated ethics law, an allegation that the province and the mining company deny.
0125
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
My latest. This story is based on FOI documents released before the Ford government changed the law. Under the new rules, the province will now be able to keep records like this secret.
111373
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Health Canada has long said glyphosate is safe, even after a major study underpinning that conclusion was retracted in 2025. But soon after that retraction, Health Canada quietly stepped up its oversight of glyphosate, records show. From @fxplante.bsky.social and me: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
Health Canada said this controversial pesticide is safe. Behind the scenes, the agency has ramped up its monitoring
There have long been safety concerns about glyphosate. The WHO concluded in 2015 that it is “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
11612
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Anna Mehler Paperny @mehlerpaperny.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
via @emmamci.bsky.social www.thestar.com/news/ontario...
thestar.com
The Doug Ford government is moving to shield politicians from scrutiny. Here are secrets the new law would have kept under wraps
The Star has for decades used freedom of information legislation to hold governments to account.
176
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 04/04/2026
The Doug Ford government is moving to shield politicians from scrutiny. Here are secrets the new law would have kept under wraps
thestar.com
The Doug Ford government is moving to shield politicians from scrutiny. Here are secrets the new law would have kept under wraps
The Star has for decades used freedom of information legislation to hold governments to account.
9157101
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
An update to the story below: Canada’s anti-money laundering watchdog, Fintrac, has embarked on an enforcement sweep following our reporting, revoking the registrations of nearly three dozen cryptocurrency businesses.
12311
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Isaac Callan @isaaccallan.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
🧵: Ontario's proposed FOI changes will likely kill a court order relating to Doug Ford's personal cellphone. They'll also probably end a high-stakes battle involving a former chief of staff and their potential use of personal emails during the Greenbelt. #ONPoli
76054
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Cloe Logan @cloelogan.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
In January, I used documents I received from an FOI to report this story, which revealed how much the province was spending on its Ring of Fire ad campaign. One budget line lists nearly $60,000 for “additional costs as a result of eliminating shoe scene from TV spot.” 🧵
nationalobserver.com
Documents reveal Ontario's $7M Ring of Fire ad bill
These ads are pushing the controversial mega-project through a campaign it has dubbed “Protect Ontario,” which Canada’s National Observer has learned is earmarked with a budget of more than $7 million...
2177
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Cloe Logan @cloelogan.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Information revealed through FOI-based reporting has led to investigations, resignations, and more within the Ford government. The reporting @emmamci.bsky.social and others did on the Greenbelt, for example. 🧵
thenarwhal.ca
Emails challenge Ontario’s narrative on Greenbelt | The Narwhal
One member of Doug Ford's staff discussed Greenbelt changes months before the premier's timeline. Another breached a reporter's privacy
2106
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Cloe Logan @cloelogan.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
The Ontario government wants to rewrite the law that compelled it to disclose documents revealing the Greenbelt land scandal, the Skills Development Fund controversy and others. For @nationalobserver.com 🧵
nationalobserver.com
Ford targets Ontario law that exposed his government's worst scandals
The Greenbelt scandal, the Skills Development controversy and more were all revealed through freedom of information requests.
55757
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 08/03/2026
Suspicious transactions at GTA crypto shops reveal alleged links to Iran-backed terror groups. Is the regulator doing enough to police them? #StarInvestigation
thestar.com
Suspicious transactions at GTA crypto shops reveal alleged links to Iran-backed terror groups. Is the regulator doing enough to police them?
FINTRAC says it rigorously polices the money services sector, has issued more than $200 million in fines, and is monitoring crypto activity.
8138
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
ICYMI, an investigation by @sheilawang.bsky.social, me and @icij.org has found more than 30 unauthorized crypto-to-cash shops on Yonge Street in the Greater Toronto Area, openly flouting the law. We also found alleged links to Iran-backed terror groups.
11915
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Suspicious transactions at GTA crypto shops reveal alleged links to Iran-backed terror groups. Is the regulator doing enough to police them? Latest investigation from @sheilawang.bsky.social and me, with help from our friends at @icij.org www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
Suspicious transactions at GTA crypto shops reveal alleged links to Iran-backed terror groups. Is the regulator doing enough to police them?
FINTRAC says it rigorously polices the money services sector, has issued more than $200 million in fines, and is monitoring crypto activity.
02312
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
My IRL friends call me Chris @christyceeck.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Translated lede: "Doug Ford justified the mandatory return of public servants to the office by saying that in-person work increased productivity. But the department responsible for the measure disagrees, reveals a document obtained by Le Droit under the Access to Information Act." #OnPoli
34124
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
From the Star’s Jennifer Pagliaro, @fxplante.bsky.social and me: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
A GPS tracker. Attempted insurance fraud. Alarming new allegations emerge in the Toronto police corruption scandal
One cop arrested in Project South is accused of helping an associate install a GPS tracker on a woman's vehicle so she could be followed.
085
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Jen St. Denis @jenstden.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
A former OneBC staffer previously participated in a Spaces call with the leaders of white nationalist/"Canadian nationalist" organizations. They talked about deporting 10 million people and joked about throwing "millions of Punjabis" into the sea. 1/3 thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
thetyee.ca
Inside the Far-Right Push to Influence Canadian Political Parties | The Tyee
A conference call shows a political operative with past Conservative connections advising several white nationalist groups.
12238157
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
icymi from me: the Greenbelt scandal rages on for one developer who has filed a new lawsuit against Ontario. "I know that people don’t necessarily, in a lot of cases, sympathize with land developers. I get that. But this could be anything," the company's lawyer said. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
0114
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Isaac Callan @isaaccallan.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
NEW: An Ontario developer is seeking compensation from the Ford government over how it handled the Greenbelt reversal. Their lawyer says the ordeal sets a dangerous precedent for anyone entering into a contract with the province. #OnPoli globalnews.ca/news/1159350...
globalnews.ca
Developer advances Greenbelt lawsuit, seeking $300M from Ontario government | Globalnews.ca
Minotar Holdings, a development company that owns roughly 210 acres of land in Markham, recently filed a fresh statement of claim against the provincial government.
4136
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 21/11/2025
City investigating after contractor drives tractor with snowplow through Palestinian protest
thestar.com
City investigating after contractor drives tractor with snowplow through Palestinian protest
Videos show a tractor with a snowplow attached driving through a crowd on the sidewalk in front of the U.S. consulate on Tuesday evening.
82615
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Sheila Wang @sheilawang.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Kyrrex controlled #crypto wallets that contained funds originally stolen from victims across the globe: a Canadian farmer, a Belgian scientist, a Danish politician... From @emmamci.bsky.social and me in collab with @icij.org www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
The trail had gone cold for millions in stolen crypto. Then came the ‘aha!’ moment that unlocked the mystery
Bitcoin taken from Canadians ended up in crypto wallets controlled by ‘a hidden company.’ The fight to recoup the funds is far from over.
01514
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Harley Rustad @harleyrustad.com · 19/11/2025
"Every media era gets the fabulists it deserves." Brilliant essay/investigation by @nickhunebrown.bsky.social into journalism scammers in the age of AI. thelocal.to/investigatin...
thelocal.to
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
11211
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Mel Woods @melwoods.me · 19/11/2025
My story on this and a whole lot more 💫 xtramagazine.com/power/politi...
xtramagazine.com
The lies Danielle Smith is telling to overturn trans kids’ rights | Xtra Magazine
The Alberta government is invoking the Notwithstanding Clause to protect its three anti-trans laws from being challenged in the courts
88662
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
New from @sheilawang.bsky.social + me, with @icij.org, @lapresse.ca + @cbcradiocanada.bsky.social. A surge of unregistered firms are allowing Toronto crypto users to anonymously cash out big sums in violation of anti-money laundering law. Sheila tested it undercover: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
Inside Canada’s shadowy crypto banking system that makes it easy to facilitate ‘an unlimited amount of crime’
Reporters went undercover to expose a growing crypto-to-cash industry that is openly flouting anti-money laundering measures.
13525
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 17/11/2025
Inside Canada’s shadowy crypto banking system that makes it easy to facilitate ‘an unlimited amount of crime’ #Star/ICIJinvestigation
thestar.com
Inside Canada’s shadowy crypto banking system that makes it easy to facilitate ‘an unlimited amount of crime’
Reporters went undercover to expose a growing crypto-to-cash industry that is openly flouting anti-money laundering measures.
3179
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Aaron Wherry @aaronwherry.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
cbc.ca
Barging into office, yelling from Conservative leadership ‘sealed the deal’ on defection: d’Entremont | CBC News
Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont says the barging into his office and yelling from Conservative Party leadership ‘sealed the deal’ on his choice to cross the floor to the Liberals earlier this week.
3207
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
New from @alexboyd.bsky.social and me: A 'jaw-dropper' new survey from pollster Cardinal Research last month showed surging support for the Alberta Republican Party. But neither the firm nor the party disclosed they have common DNA: party leader Cam Davies. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
A ‘jaw-dropper’ poll showed surging support for an Alberta separatist party. Turns out the polling firm and the party weren’t so separate
The Alberta Republican Party leader previously had an ownership stake in the same polling company that reported support for his new party was surging.
12119
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
A new poll last month made waves when it showed 11 per cent support for the Republican Party of Alberta and their push to separate. Turns out the pollster and the party shared some DNA. New story from @emmamci.bsky.social and me. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
A ‘jaw-dropper’ poll showed surging support for an Alberta separatist party. Turns out the polling firm and the party weren’t so separate
The Alberta Republican Party leader previously had an ownership stake in the same polling company that reported support for his new party was surging.
3178
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Callout for Jays fans in BC and Alberta: are you heading down to Seattle for the ALCS? Why or why not? I’m on the weekend shift today and the Star wants to hear from you!! DMs open, or email me at emcintosh@thestar.ca!
665
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
NPR @npr.org · 11/09/2025
A new study finds dozens of heat waves would be "virtually impossible" without the activity of major fossil fuel producers, including oil companies.
n.pr
Scientists link hundreds of severe heat waves to fossil fuel producers' pollution
A new study finds dozens of heat waves would be "virtually impossible" without the activity of major fossil fuel producers, including oil companies.
28699227
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Megan O’Toole @meganotoole.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Israeli air strikes on Nasser Medical Complex have killed 20 Palestinians, including journalists, healthcare workers, rescue personnel and patients. Middle East Eye contributor Mohamed Salama was among the victims.
middleeasteye.net
Israel bombs Khan Younis hospital, killing journalists and rescue worker
Initial bombing hits the upper floor of Nasser hospital, followed by a strike on response teams attempting to rescue the wounded
33034
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
The latest in the Star’s reporting on Ontario Place: Biz reporter Ana Pereira and I got ahold of financial records that shed light on how Therme passed Ontario’s financial test to secure its lease — and raise questions about the Ford government’s due dilligence. www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
Financial records shed new light on the Ontario Place spa firm’s net worth, raising questions about the Ford government’s due diligence
Therme Group says its finances are solid and, with the unwavering backing of a shareholder, it has never been in danger of failing the stress test.
45523
Reposted by Emma McIntosh
Jake Tobin @jaketobin.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
This is your reminder that we are actually barely two-thirds through summer. Justice for September as a summer month!!
1383
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
ICYMI, the Star published two Ontario Place investigations over the weekend The first, from the excellent Ana Pereira and me: The Ford government touted Therme as a ‘world-class’ partner for Ontario Place. In Europe, ‘significant’ concerns have emerged over finances www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
The Ford government touted Therme as a ‘world-class’ partner for Ontario Place. In Europe, ‘significant’ concerns have emerged over finances
The warning is included in previously unreported audits. Therme says it doesn't reflect the strong financial footing of the global business.
24728