Based in Ottawa for The Hill Times, McLeod specializes in:
Seeking stories that:
"Systems are built to frustrate transparency, and companies don't face any real penalties when they ignore the law"
- From his Financial Post investigation
We've tracked James McLeod's dynamic career since his early days as a self-described "Guerrilla Satirist" through his current role as a respected political journalist. His journey began at Ryerson University's journalism program (2008) where he developed the investigative rigor that would later define his work at The Telegram and The Hill Times.
"Democracy is bloody exhausting. Who wouldn’t want a rest? A short nap? Just a minute to catch our breath..."
- James McLeod, readtheline.ca
McLeod consistently demonstrates how federal decisions affect Atlantic Canadian communities. His 2025 analysis of Turkish-Canadian political activism [6] exemplifies this approach, connecting international diplomacy to domestic constituency concerns. Pitches should emphasize concrete local impacts of national policies.
The landmark Tim Hortons data tracking exposé [3] revealed his knack for unpacking complex systems. Successful pitches will identify regulatory gaps in corporate or government operations with clear documentation paths.
His reflective piece on democratic exhaustion [1] showcases interest in the human dimension of governance. Proposals examining policymaker decision-making processes or voter behavior trends align well with this focus.
The Turkish-Canadian community coverage [6] demonstrates his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. Stories should highlight systemic barriers faced by specific cultural groups in political processes.
Following his privacy law critique [3], McLeod remains engaged with solutions-oriented reporting. Pitches could explore new accountability frameworks or successful case studies in government transparency.
"Guerrilla Satirist" Designation (The Guardian)
This 2010 recognition cemented McLeod's reputation for blending sharp political commentary with accessible humor - a style that continues to inform his serious investigative work.
Ryerson Journalism Fellowship
Awarded during his studies, this early career honor foreshadowed his future impact, supporting investigative projects that combined data journalism with community narratives.
Canada's privacy laws have 'no teeth': What I learned during an eight-month investigation into Tim Hortons' data tracking
Canada is cold but Turks on fire': Turkish Canadians call on Ottawa to condemn the arrest of country's opposition leader
A rest from politics
