Editorial Standards

Updated: May 2025

We exist to inform and engage Canadians on the health issues that matter most, through trusted aggregation, thoughtful op-eds, and occasional original reporting. Our reputation depends on clarity, credibility, and transparency.

These values apply equally to all of our content streams: aggregated articles, original commentaries, newsletters, and sponsored content.

Core Editorial Standards

• All content must be factual, responsibly sourced, and aligned with Canada Healthwatch’s commitment to public-interest journalism. Sponsored articles may take a persuasive tone but cannot mislead or distort the truth.
• Sponsored articles are clearly labelled with language such as "This article was provided by..." or "Sponsored by..."

• We accept sponsored pieces that inform, contextualize, or spark thoughtful dialogue around health-related issues — not those that simply promote a product or brand.

   

Format & Style

• Clear, and accessible. Jargon should be minimal, with a focus on relevance to a Canadian audience.
• 650–800 words recommended.

• When citing studies, organizations, or experts, sources must be clearly credited. Quotes should be accurate and verifiable.

   

Sponsored Voice & Bylines

• Bylines may be attributed to an expert representative of a sponsoring organization or written in the voice of a health-care professional affiliated with the topic.

• We do not accept ghostwritten op-eds with fabricated authorship. If a byline is used, the person named must stand behind the content.

   

Process & Review

• All sponsored content is reviewed by editorial staff to ensure alignment with our standards.
• We might request edits and may decline pieces that don't meet expectations for clarity, accuracy, tone, or relevance.
• Publication timeline is typically 5–10 business days after final approval.