The Watchdog is an independent Canadian journalism publication focused on wealth, power and democracy.
Our editorial mission is to protect the public and defend democracy through original watchdog journalism. We produce investigative reporting, critical analysis and explanatory journalism guided by three priorities:
Understanding Wealth, Power and Democracy
The Watchdog helps the public understand how Canada really works by examining the influence of wealth and power on our democracy. Our journalism looks at how our civic institutions operate, how public policy gets made and how our information environment shapes public debate.
Keeping Power in Check
The Watchdog brings matters of public concern to light. Our journalism monitors the individuals, groups and networks seeking to influence politics, investigates wealthy and powerful interests and keeps public officials honest and accountable.
Strengthening Canada’s Democratic Culture
The Watchdog aims to build a stronger democratic culture through journalism. Our journalism contributes to the exchange of ideas about democracy, surfaces stories that spark public debate and create change, and approaches reporting through a lens that centres the public interest and remains grounded in democratic and egalitarian values.
Who is behind The Watchdog?
The Watchdog is a publication created by Luke LeBrun.
Luke LeBrun is a Canadian investigative journalist with a decade and a half of experience covering federal politics, right-wing alternative media outlets and far-right extremism. He’s previously served as Editor of PressProgress and is an occasional media commentator, appearing on broadcast and online media, as well as writing for the Toronto Star and Hill Times newspapers.
In 2024, Luke was the recipient of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression’s Arnold Amber Award for Investigative Journalism in recognition of his years of reporting on far-right extremism and the Freedom Convoy.
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