Free access to 23 million+ rows of public interest data for journalists starts today. Yes, free. Today, we launched the Free Access for Journalists program: free access to the IJF’s 23 million+ rows of public interest data for reporters across Canada. This program will give thousands of working journalists across Canada unlimited, free access to all of our public interest databases. That means no government red tape, no weeks-long waits, and no cost to access this data. That’s an investment in Canadian democracy. Learn more about this program and check your eligibility today: theijf.org/free-access-for-j…

An online gambling organization wants Nova Scotia to open up its gambling system to private operators, like Ontario and Alberta do. zurl.co/OAgrT

Montreal police might start wearing body cameras within the next year, but the public will likely never see the recordings. What’s the point? Surveillance, critics say. zurl.co/fc1ej

7-Eleven is lobbying the Government of Saskatchewan to relax regulations and extend liquor licences to convenience stores. zurl.co/kFw3Q

Of the thousands of hopefuls running for municipal office in Ontario’s Monday elections, an IJF analysis found 13 are also registered lobbyists. Some felt their previous experience in government affairs could help them in a public role. zurl.co/vE6ko

The U.K. has imposed sanctions against a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange accused of dealing with darknet exchanges connected to the Kremlin. zurl.co/TypXX

We've learned that Canada's finance minister spoke with the CEO of Enbridge about a proposal to build a new oil pipeline to the country's West Coast. zurl.co/lXFIP

Some B.C. political candidates used to be lobbyists. What happens when people trying to shape laws on behalf of companies end up writing them? zurl.co/BBKtn

The Department of National Defence is looking for help developing Canadian-designed robots that can locate underwater mines. But the tenders have national security exceptions applied and DND is not sharing many details. zurl.co/Trag2

After a months-long lobbying drive across the country, the Ontario government said Waymo could offer Torontonians driverless rides as early as 2028. zurl.co/pOJ4C

A former deputy minister and security adviser to Carney is a board member for a Canadian drone company that’s lobbying for defence contracts. zurl.co/JtUd2

Francesco Villi was known for harassment and threatening behaviour long before he shot six of his neighbours in a Vaughan, Ont., condo in 2022. But his gun ownership records never reflected a protection order a judge issued after complaints from his neighbours. zurl.co/wHpLm

He led the province through his “Common Sense Revolution.” His son is a cabinet minister. Now Mike Harris has started lobbying the Ontario government. zurl.co/Qx4DU

Manitoba’s police watchdog has been without a permanent civilian director for almost two years but the government is in no rush to hire a replacement, suggest documents obtained by the IJF. zurl.co/E1uR3

The cleanup of harmful leftovers from NWT’s Giant Mine is still underway, and Yellowknives Dene is pressing Ottawa over what remains unresolved from the mine’s legacy. zurl.co/MROYn

A Burnaby man has admitted to his role in a vast money laundering network linked to illegal cannabis sales. zurl.co/IAaoC

Multiple organizations, including LinkedIn and video game companies, are lobbying about online safety rules as Parliament returns to debate the Liberals' new social media bill. zurl.co/NGTwe

In B.C., you can be a city councillor and a lobbyist at the same time. But should you? An IJF analysis found four candidates who also lobby for the real estate and housing industry. zurl.co/EXGIt

Health Canada is looking for experts to test drugs like MDMA and fentanyl to better understand the risks to those who use substances and determine how the government should respond. zurl.co/5TMI3

The IJF has two nominations in the Anthem Awards, as judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. zurl.co/kdfAF

Billionaires, politicians and a National Post columnist are among those who donated a collective $1.6 million to Caroline Elliott’s unsuccessful campaign to lead the B.C. Conservative Party. zurl.co/01qIj