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Accurate. Intelligent. Journalism for a changing climate

 

About Us

At Canada’s National Observer, we don’t just report on climate change—we explore its roots and solutions. Since 2009, we’ve been at the forefront of figuring out how to monetize excellent journalism, leading the way in Canada with innovative crowdfunding efforts that have made vital reporting possible. Our commitment to reader-supported journalism has inspired other publications, and our focus on climate solutions has sparked new streams of coverage across the media landscape. We tackle the complex intersection of business, government, and climate action, providing in-depth analysis on topics that often goes unnoticed by others.

Our impact extends far beyond our own platforms, which include our website, app, and social media channels. Through our participation in the Mother Jones Climate Desk, our stories are republished by global partners such as The Guardian, Newsweek, and The Weather Channel. Our participation in the Government of Canada's Local Journalism Initiative makes some of our key reporting available through the Canadian Press, where 250 or so publications across Canada can access it and republish it. Governments and universities receive our work through their own media monitoring services and IP addresses, broadening our audience further.

Notable Quotes About National Observer

"Every morning I wake up and read National Observer and thank God you are there." — David Suzuki, Environmental Scientist and Broadcaster During a public speaking engagement in 2020

"Honorees like The Salmon People are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet." — Claire Graves, President of the Webby Awards in 2023 The New York Times calls the Webbys "the Internet's highest honour." Selected from 14,000 entries alongside CBC and LA Times

"The little engine that could!" — His Excellency David Johnston, Former Governor General of Canada Speaking at the 2017 Michener Awards ceremony at Rideau Hall

"When you subscribe to Canada's National Observer, you step into a community of people who refuse to sit on the sidelines during this critical moment in our history."- Meredith Stein, subscriber

Awards & Recognition

Canada's National Observer has consistently been recognized for excellence in journalism and investigative reporting.

  • National Newspaper Award: Max Fawcett for column writing (2024)
  • Covering Climate Now: Series on wildfire impacts on First Nations (2024)
  • Webby Awards: "The Salmon People" podcast named "Honoree" in the 27th Annual Webby Awards (2023)
  • Canadian Foundation for Journalism: "Salmon People" nominated for "overall excellence" in small media category (2023)
  • Atlantic Journalism Awards: Cloe Logan nominated for Enterprise/Longform (2023)
  • Canadian Association of Journalists: (2022)
    • Matteo Cimellaro nominated for Emerging Indigenous Journalist Award
    • Marc Fawcett-Atkinson and Jessica McDiarmid nominated in Scoops category
  • Metcalf Foundation: Cloe Logan,  environmental journalism fellowship (2022)
  • National Newspaper Awards: (2022)
    • Winner: Mary Ann Shadd Cary award for Karyn Pugliese's columns on residential schools
    • Nominated: John Wesley Dafoe Award for Politics ("Friends with Benefits" investigation)
  • Canadian Journalism Foundation: Finalist for Climate Solutions Reporting award (2021)
  • Canadian Hillman Prize: Honourable Mention for "Friends with Benefits" investigation (2021)
  • Jackman Awards: Finalist for Excellence in Journalism for "Clean Water, Broken Promises" series (2021)
  • Webster Foundation: Environmental Reporting Award nomination (2021)
  • Canadian Association of Journalism: David McKie awarded the prestigious Bury Award (2020)
  • Governor General's Michener Awards: Citation for public interest journalism (2019)
  • National Newspaper Award: First digital-only publication to win, for "House of Irving" series (2016)
  • Michener Award: Finalist for Energy East Pipeline investigation (2016)
  • Canadian Online Publishing Awards: Best Publication (2018)
  • Canadian Association of Journalists: Multiple nominations for excellence in reporting (2017)

An Informed Community 

CNO is more than a news source—it's a community of informed and engaged citizens. Our subscribers include entrepreneurs, policy-makers, activists, educators, and concerned citizens who recognize that evidence-based journalism leads to better decisions. Our comment sections host substantive discussions about climate and policy in the Canadian media, where subscribers contribute expertise, debate solutions, and build understanding across different perspectives.

417,000 people have open access to the site and the archive through paid institutional subscriptions and individual accounts.  Institutional subscribers include: the University of Toronto, University of New Brunswick, Simon Fraser University, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the Bank of Canada, the CBC, and many others. If you value evidence-based journalism that explores both the challenges and solutions of our changing climate, subscribe.

Ownership & Investors

Observer Media Group, the parent company of Canada’s National Observer, is majority-owned by its founder, Linda Solomon Wood, (54%). The remaining 46% is owned by 11 shareholders, primarily impact investors looking to help capitalize a financially-solid company providing strong social capital returns. This ownership structure has supported our growth for a decade, enabling us to make significant investments in investigative journalism and to be the ground-breaker and leader in Canada for solutions reporting. Our shareholder model positions us for continued expansion and enhances our ability to drive independent journalism that addresses the most pressing issue of our time. It provides an opportunity for investors to join us in shaping the future of mediain Canada, while generating daily and lasting value.

CNO Revenue Structure

CNO’s revenue is diversified across several key streams, providing financial stability and supporting our commitment to high-impact journalism.  

  • Subscriptions (40%)
  • Contracts, Collaborations & Partnerships (40%)
  • Government of Canada Support & Tax Credits (20%)

CNO works alongside an esteemed group of collaborators who share our commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of social justice.

Fiscal Sponsor
Institute for Sustainability, Education and Action (I-SEA)

Key Collaborators (2024-25)

  • Ivey Foundation
  • McConnell Foundation
  • Renewal Foundation
  • Roadburg Foundation
  • Trace Foundation
  • North Family Foundation
  • Endswell Foundation
  • Trottier Foundation
  • Raffi Foundation
  • Makeway Foundation
  • Donner Foundation
  • Dragonfly Foundation
  • The European Union Delegation to Canada
  • Canada's Clean50

CNO has been a member of The Trust Project for many years. The Trust Project is a consortium of international news organizations with an agreed-upon set of standards for assessing accuracy, transparency and fairness in reporting. Our reporters are unionized with the Canadian Media Guild.

Advisory Board

CNO’s Advisory Board consists of leaders from diverse fields, bringing expertise in sustainability, technology, law, journalism, and social innovation to guide our strategic direction.

Geraldine Baum
A veteran journalist and communications expert, Geraldine brings over three decades of media experience to CNO's Advisory Board. Currently Chief Communications Officer at PEN America and former New York City Bureau Chief for the Los Angeles Times, her extensive background includes coverage of major historical events and leadership roles at prestigious institutions, including the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Her expertise in journalism, entrepreneurial journalism, and strategic communications strengthens CNO's mission to deliver impactful reporting.


Denise Williams
Formerly Chief Executive Officer of the First Nations Technology Council, Denise also served for years as the Chairman of the Board of the Makeway Foundation. A visiting lecturer at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business and former mentor with the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation, Denise brings expertise in technology ethics and digital inclusion. Her work with the United Nations as Secretary General's Envoy on Technology - Digital Inclusion informs CNO's approach to covering the intersection of technology and climate solutions. and climate solutions.

Stephen Huddart
A leader in regenerative economics and sustainable business practices, Stephen serves as Advisory Board Member with the Regenerative Capital Group and Director of the Regenerative Economy Program at the Victoria Forum. As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business, he brings valuable insights to CNO's coverage of the transition to a sustainable economy, Indigenous economic reconciliation, and climate finance innovation.

Carol Newell
Carol is the Founder, Funder, and President of Renewal Partners. Innovator by nature, Carol Newell’s life work has been to create programs and organizations that seed new thinking about our relationships with social, natural, and financial resources. In the early ’90s she dedicated an inheritance to build a culture that prioritizes the health and diversity of natural systems. Her private family office, Renewal, implements a strategy to deliver mission-focused, cross-sector, blended-values capital to a region. Her most recent project, ReWeaving Wealth, is a process tool designed to help people integrate and mobilize decisions, creative thinking, and resource activation.

Wendy Cooper
Through Dragonfly Ventures, Wendy advances philanthropic initiatives focused on environmental stewardship and future generations. Her extensive experience includes serving as Program Lead for National Watersheds & Ontario, where she fostered collaborations between charities and funders working toward ambitious environmental goals. Her background in conservation and community relationships helps guide CNO's coverage of watershed protection and environmental partnerships.

Margery Moore
President of the Institute for Sustainability Education & Action (I-SEA) and founder of ehsAI, Margery brings over two decades of leadership in sustainability education and environmental innovation. Her experience in developing AI solutions for environmental compliance and her work with the Biomimicry Institute adds valuable perspective to CNO's coverage of environmental technology and sustainability initiatives.

Esther Chetner
A lawyer and  philanthropist, Esther brings  expertise and a commitment to community engagement to CNO's Advisory Board. Her background in law, combined with her philanthropic work, strengthens our governance and helps ensure our journalism serves the public interest while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

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