Sign in

Frédérik Plante

@fxplante.bsky.social
1.5K followers 347 following 60 posts

Investigative Reporter for @thestar.com. Got a tip? fplante@thestar.ca or fx_plante.01 on Signal. English/Français/Español.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Mark Follman @markfollman.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
NEWS: My new investigation uncovers the horrific ChatGPT history of the Tumbler Ridge school shooter. OpenAI’s chatbot fueled the shooter's violent fantasies and plans up to the day of the massacre. Chats about guns, timing of attacks, becoming infamous, and more. www.motherjones.com/media/2026/0...
motherjones.com
ChatGPT helped the Tumbler Ridge school shooter focus on guns, tactics, and terror, our investigation reveals
OpenAI’s chatbot fed the shooter’s violent fantasies and planning up to the massacre.
411470807
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I joined @thestar.com’s Ottawa bureau today. I’m still an investigative reporter, now focusing on the federal government. My DMs are open and you can also reach out to me on Signal fx_plante.01 or by email fplante@thestar.ca
053
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
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Health Canada has long said glyphosate is safe, even after a major study underpinning that conclusion was retracted in 2025.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 Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 18/05/2026
Star Investigation: Surveys touted as evidence of success for Veterans Affairs Canada’s $573M rehabilitation program excluded hundreds of veterans whose conditions worsened or failed to improve, records obtained by the Toronto Star show. #cdnpoli New from @fxplante.bsky.social:
thestar.com
Internal documents cast doubt on officials’ claims that most Canadian veterans are improving under controversial rehab program
Veterans Affairs Canada excluded survey results from hundreds of veterans whose conditions worsened or failed to improve.
082
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 06/05/2026
Star Investigation: The Toronto Catholic District School Board has refused to say why a convicted child predator was allowed to serve as chair of the council for two years — or whether it’s changed its vetting process. New from @fxplante.bsky.social:
thestar.com
Why was a convicted child predator allowed on the parent council of a Toronto elementary school? The board won’t say
The Toronto Catholic District School Board refused to answer questions, including whether it has since changed its vetting process for volunteers.
0169
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 05/04/2026
Patrick Brown called out ‘absentee landlord’ after four people died in Brampton fire last year. But records raise questions about city’s enforcement #StarInvestigation
thestar.com
Patrick Brown called out ‘absentee landlord’ after four people died in Brampton fire last year. But records raise questions about city’s enforcement
Brown did not answer questions about the enforcement records, which appear to contradict what officials told the public in the days after the fire.
051
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 27/03/2026
Journalism job alert: The Narwhal’s Ontario bureau is excited to announce a new position for a reporting fellow to cover Queen’s Park and the ways policy affects people in racialized communities. Learn more and apply:
thenarwhal.ca
The Narwhal is hiring a BIPOC reporting fellow in Ontario
We’re hiring an Ontario reporting fellow to cover Queen’s Park and the ways Ontario government policy affects people in racialized communities
13733
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
“Since 2020 Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed at least 1,100 Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, at least a quarter of whom were children, UN data shows. No one has been charged over any of these deaths.” www.theguardian.com/world/2026/m...
theguardian.com
Israeli former PM calls on ICC to halt West Bank ‘Jewish terrorists’ after prosecutions stop
Exclusive: Guardian analysis of settler violence shows no Israelis prosecuted since 2020 for killing Palestinian civilians, as former military, police and spy chiefs describe ‘organised Jewish terrori...
01012
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 26/03/2026
Veterans Affairs minister announces ‘independent review’ after investigation into rehab program that former soldiers say has failed them New from @fxplante.bsky.social
thestar.com
Veterans Affairs minister announces ‘independent review’ of rehab program that former soldiers say has failed them
Minister Jill McKnight said the program is 'not entirely broken,' as many vets' rehab has been successful.
096
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
NEW: Veterans Affairs minister announces ‘independent review’ of rehab program after @thestar.com investigation www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
Veterans Affairs minister announces ‘independent review’ of rehab program that former soldiers say has failed them
Minister Jill McKnight said the program is 'not entirely broken,' as many vets' rehab has been successful.
331
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
This is a follow-up to our Sunday investigation, which you can read here: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
They were injured in military service. Canada promised better rehab. Here’s why these veterans are still in pain
The program is run by the private sector, including a Loblaw subsidiary, for $570M. Ottawa says it can improve but is effective for most vets.
031
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
NEW from me: Veterans rehab program under fire as MPs question contractor, federal officials about allegations www.thestar.com/news/investi... via @thestar.com
thestar.com
Veterans rehab program under fire as MPs question contractor, federal officials about allegations
Assistant deputy minister says Toronto Star investigation revaled 'serious and concerning' issues that Veterans Affairs Canada will look into.
021
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
The story is featured on today’s front page:
010
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 22/03/2026
They were injured in military service. Canada promised better rehab. Here’s why these veterans are still in pain #StarInvestigation
thestar.com
They were injured in military service. Canada promised better rehab. Here’s why these veterans are still in pain
The program is run by the private sector, including a Loblaw subsidiary, for $570M. Ottawa says it can improve but is effective for most vets.
172
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
For this @thestar.com investigation, I spoke with more than 40 veterans & healthcare professionals who denounced the rehab program run by PCVRS, a joint venture involving Loblaw. Read here: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
They were injured in military service. Canada promised better rehab. Here’s why these veterans are still in pain
The program is run by the private sector, including a Loblaw subsidiary, for $570M. Ottawa says it can improve but is effective for most vets.
11510
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
$GSY stock down about 65% since yesterday’s announcement. Quite a dramatic, if belated, impact to our December investigation:
010
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
1/ TSX-listed Goeasy announced today a $178M "incremental charge off" in its LendCare business loans: goeasy.investorroom.com/2026-03-10-g...
goeasy.investorroom.com
goeasy Ltd. Provides a Financial and Operational Update Ahead of its Fourth Quarter Earnings Release
New Management Team Takes Action to Prepare goeasy Ltd. for the Future MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 10, 2026 /CNW/ - goeasy Ltd. (TSX: GSY) ("goeasy" or the "Company"), one of Canada's leading non-prime...
100
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
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
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Read my latest investigation here:
242
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 22/02/2026
She thought she was buying a warranty for her car. Instead, she and other LendCare customers were allegedly misled into another high-interest loan #StarInvestigation
thestar.com
She thought she was buying a warranty for her car. Instead, she and other LendCare customers were allegedly misled into another high-interest loan
A spokesperson said management investigates any allegedly misleading sales of insurance products, which are optional and meant to support borrowers.
094
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
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
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
I’ve been trying to respect strict time limits on Instagram in 2025. So far it’s paying off. What I read in January:
120
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
After a wave of officer suicides, the OPP vowed to do more for members’ mental health. Internal documents show the reforms have fallen short. My latest for @thestar.com: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
After a wave of officer suicides, the OPP vowed to do more for members’ mental health. Internal documents show the reforms have fallen short
The OPP said police suicide 'remains a concerning and complex issue,' and the force has made 'great strides' in addressing it.
021
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 05/12/2025
Ontario should step up regulation of alternative lending industry, MPPs urge in wake of Star’s Lendcare investigation
thestar.com
Ontario should step up regulation of alternative lending industry, MPPs urge in wake of Star’s Lendcare investigation
The Star found vulnerable customers were duped by the financing firm’s merchant partners. The company said it’s “committed to responsible lending.”
064
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 04/12/2025
Inside this Ontario loan company, concern grew as payments stopped. Its plan to keep bad debt​ off the books came at the expense of vulnerable borrowers l
thestar.com
Inside this Ontario loan company, concern grew as payments stopped. Its plan to keep bad debt​ off the books came at the expense of vulnerable borrowers
Pickering-based LendCare denied wrongdoing, saying the firm is “committed to openness, accountability, and strong governance.”
031
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
1/ Subprime point-of-sale lender LendCare has been suppressing delinquency and charge-off rates to mislead parent company Goeasy investors, according to internal emails, court records and sources: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
Inside this Ontario loan company, concern grew as payments stopped. Its plan to keep bad debt​ off the books came at the expense of vulnerable borrowers
Pickering-based LendCare denied wrongdoing, saying the firm is “committed to openness, accountability, and strong governance.”
102
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 30/11/2025
When surgery left her in crippling pain, she warned Ontario’s medical watchdog she was losing the will to go on. Did the regulator do enough to help? #StarInvestigation
thestar.com
When surgery left her in crippling pain, she warned Ontario’s medical watchdog she was losing the will to go on. Did the regulator do enough to help?
In the wake of Mei Lam’s death by suicide, some question why a doctor already on the regulator's radar for troubling conduct was allowed to treat her.
043
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 22/11/2025
She shut a Magna-owned factory down over extreme temperatures — then was fired. What the story of Grenville Castings reveals about Ontario’s heat protections
thestar.com
She shut a Magna-owned factory down over extreme temperatures — then was fired. What the story of Grenville Castings reveals about Ontario’s heat protections
The provincial government says its rules to protect workers from heat-related injuries is “robust,” but the tale of Grenville Castings casts doubt on that assertion.
0124
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
A @thestar.com investigation has found that high-cost lender LendCare is working with unscrupulous businesses across the country that prey on vulnerable borrowers through scams and other exploitative contracts. Read my latest story, with Ana Pereira, here: www.thestar.com/business/thi...
thestar.com
This major lender is accused of working with shady firms that prey on seniors and other vulnerable Canadians, duping them into high-interest loans
Pickering-based LendCare denies the allegations, says it vets potential merchant partners and is committed to ‘responsible lending.’
031
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 21/11/2025
This lender is accused of working with unscrupulous firms that prey on the vulnerable. How borrowers say they were duped into high-interest loans
thestar.com
This lender is accused of working with unscrupulous firms that prey on the vulnerable. How borrowers say they were duped into high-interest loans
Pickering-based LendCare denies the allegations, says it vets potential merchant partners and is committed to 'responsible lending.'
051
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
J'ai écrit un essai dans @nouveauprojet.bsky.social sur l'accès a l'information et mon combat judiciaire contre le gouvernement du Québec pour préserver ce qui nous reste de ce droit, si important et mal-aimé : atelier10.ca/nouveauproje...
atelier10.ca
Accès refusé | Nouveau Projet
Dans les années 1980, le gouvernement du Québec prenait les devants et conférait à tou·te·s le droit d’accès à l’information. En 2025, il s’est battu pour l’éroder.
042
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Richie Assaly @rdassaly.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
“The relentless framing from Canadian media outlets, which are deeply complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza, is near unconditional acquiescence to Israel’s fallacious narrative,” Joshua Sealy-Harrington told @thegrindto.bsky.social. www.thegrindmag.ca/as-israel-ki...
thegrindmag.ca
As Israel Kills 104 in Gaza, Canadian Media’s Vague Language Shields its Ceasefire Violations
Canadian mainstream media coverage of Israel’s deadly airstrikes “an epic failure of both journalistic and moral principles,” says professor.
061
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Richie Assaly @rdassaly.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
NEW: Israel killed 104 Palestinians (and 46 children) in Gaza Tuesday, in a clear violation of the ceasefire. But mainstream media failed to accurately convey the severity of the moment, acting instead as a mouthpiece for the Israeli government. www.thegrindmag.ca/as-israel-ki...
thegrindmag.ca
As Israel Kills 104 in Gaza, Canadian Media’s Vague Language Shields its Ceasefire Violations
Canadian mainstream media coverage of Israel’s deadly airstrikes “an epic failure of both journalistic and moral principles,” says professor.
184
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
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
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
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
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Honoured that the #DirtyPayments series of investigations was shortlisted among ten finalists for the 2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/pres...
europarl.europa.eu
2025 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism: ten finalists shortlisted | News | European Parliament
The jury of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism has shortlisted ten investigations for the fifth edition of the award.
111
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
New @thestar.com investigation from me in collaboration with @eicnetwork.bsky.social as part of the #DirtyPayments series: How a lucrative, global internet scam traces back to this office above a Montreal grocery store www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
How a lucrative, global internet scam traces back to this office above a Montreal grocery store
The network of websites, which reaped nearly $12 million in 2023, have left a trail of disgruntled customers who say they were swindled.
040
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
1/2 À propos de la mort de Nooran Rezayi et de l’enquête du BEI : il est bon de rappeler que les policiers de Longueuil font partie de ceux qui refusent systématiquement de répondre aux questions des enquêteurs du BEI selon des données obtenues en 2023 www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Quebec police refusing to co-operate in investigations on civilian deaths
Many police are refusing to answer questions from the oversight body on civilian deaths following a court ruling last year that said officers must meet with investigators
121
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
‘I haven’t been able to keep up with it.’ Tenants in seniors’ residences say ballooning, unregulated fees are forcing them out. Read my latest for @thestar.com: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
‘I haven’t been able to keep up with it.’ Tenants in seniors’ residences say ballooning fees are forcing them out
There are growing calls for the province to regulate service fees the same way it does rent to stop 'price gouging.'
031
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
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
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Figures from a classified Israeli military intelligence database indicate five out of six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza have been civilians, an extreme rate of slaughter rarely matched in recent decades of warfare, via @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/world/ng-int...
theguardian.com
Revealed: Israeli military’s own data indicates civilian death rate of 83% in Gaza war
Figures from classified IDF database listed 8,900 named fighters as dead or probably dead in May, as overall death toll reached 53,000
020
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 17/08/2025
Inside the Ford government, there was worry the Ontario Place spa was ‘high risk.’ They signed a 95-year lease anyway #StarInvestigation
thestar.com
Inside the Ford government, there was worry the Ontario Place spa was ‘high risk.’ They signed a 95-year lease anyway
Officials questioned whether the spa could be a "white elephant," a term referencing something expensive to keep that offers little relative value.
11369
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Toronto Star @thestar.com · 16/08/2025
The Ford government touted Therme as a ‘world-class’ partner for Ontario Place. In Europe, ‘significant’ concerns have emerged over finances #StarInvestigation
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.
65526
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Emma McIntosh @emmamci.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
The Ford government touted Therme as a ‘world-class’ partner for Ontario Place. In Europe, ‘significant’ concerns have emerged over finances, records obtained by the Star show. From the front page of today's paper, by Ana Pereira and me: 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.
216185
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Al Jazeera English @aljazeera.com · 11/08/2025
The deliberate killing of five Al Jazeera staff has brought the total number of journalists killed by Israel since the start of the war to 237, according to Gaza's Government Media Office. 🔴 LIVE updates:
aje.io
Israel murders five Al Jazeera staff in Gaza, including Anas al-Sharif
Al-Sharif was killed along with Mohammed Qreiqeh two cameramen and an assistant in an Israeli attack on Gaza City.
14828575
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Al Jazeera English @aljazeera.com · 11/08/2025
Israel claimed responsibility for killing five Al Jazeera staff in Gaza, including Anas al-Sharif, in a strike on their media tent outside al-Shifa Hospital, bringing the total journalists killed to 237 since the war began. 🔴 Follow our LIVE coverage: aje.io/1490et
29601445
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Toronto police officer's drunken crash followed shift spent drinking with colleagues, tribunal docs allege, via CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Toronto police officer's drunken crash followed shift spent drinking with colleagues, tribunal docs allege | CBC News
More than two years after a Toronto police officer pleaded guilty to impaired driving, disciplinary charges against his superior are raising questions about the night of the collision and the integrit...
020
Frédérik Plante @fxplante.bsky.social · 27/07/2025
12 customers of Orogold and other related cosmetics stores in Ontario malls told me they were tricked or pressured into signing up for high-cost loans to buy expensive skin care devices. Read my latest story for the @thestar.com here: www.thestar.com/news/investi...
thestar.com
These cosmetic stores inside Ontario malls promise customers better skin. Instead, a growing number say they’ve been tricked into high-cost loans
The stores' management deny using deceitful sales tactics. But more and more disgruntled customers are demanding justice.
200
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
ProPublica @propublica.org · 26/07/2025
ProPublica spoke to about 150 people who had lived in homeless encampments when cities cleared them out in “sweeps.” We distributed notecards so people could tell us about the toll in their own words. ➡️ This is what they wrote: projects.propublica.org/impact-of-ho...
Handwritten notecard. Prompt at the top asks: What object was most devastating for you to lose, and how have you been coping? Answer below: Dentures. Were thrown away and coping isn't somthing I can do. It’s made me feel ugly, unworthy, can’t go get a job with no teeth. So how can get off the streets until another pair can be made?
18555252424
Reposted by Frédérik Plante
Tu Thanh Ha @tuthanhha.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
A Globe and Mail reporter investigating allegations of political interference in Alberta healthcare has been targeted by an anonymous X account, which posted surreptitiously obtained photographs of her in public settings and described her private movements. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
711680