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Top Crime Journalists in Canada (2025)

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Discover and contact the top Crime journalists in Canada, updated for 2025. If you're interested in contacting Crime journalists, you can sign up below and download the Crime journalists contact list!

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Brad Hunter

Crime journalist at The Toronto Sun, Canada
Canada
Crime
Law
Courts

Brad Hunter is the National Crime Columnist for The Toronto Sun, where he investigates high-stakes criminal cases, legal controversies, and cross-border law enforcement challenges. Based in Canada, his work bridges gritty storytelling with judicial analysis, making him a pivotal voice in crime journalism.

Pitching Insights

  • Coverage Priorities:
    • Organized Crime: Hunter dissects syndicate operations, as seen in his Genovese family exposé.
    • Immigration and Crime: Focus on ICE raids or deportation loopholes .
  • Avoid: Cybercrime, white-collar fraud, or juvenile justice topics.
“The best stories lie where the law and human frailty collide.” —Brad Hunter

Contact: Reach him via his Toronto Sun profile for pitches tied to breaking crime news or legal analysis.

Chris Lambie

Crime journalist at National Post, Canada
Canada
Crime
Military
Education

As National Post's senior justice reporter, Lambie specializes in:

  • Criminal Psychology: Analyzes recidivism patterns and rehabilitation program efficacy
  • Military Operations: Reports on domestic deployment challenges and personnel welfare
  • Policy Impacts: Examines legislation through victim/offender perspectives

Pitching Priorities

  • Do: Include comparative data across jurisdictions
  • Avoid: Speculative content without documented case histories
"Effective pitches demonstrate how individual stories reflect broader systemic realities."

Career Highlights

  • 2025 Canadian Association of Journalists Award for Investigative Reporting
  • 14 national award nominations since 2022

Dale Carruthers

Crime journalist at The London Free Press, Canada
Canada
Crime
Cannabis
Law

Dale Carruthers is a crime and cannabis reporter for The London Free Press, where he’s shaped regional discourse on policing practices and drug policy since 2018. His investigative approach combines court document analysis, data journalism, and community-centered storytelling.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Police Operations: Specializes in technology adoption and resource allocation issues
  • Cannabis Markets: Tracks regulatory impacts on retail and agricultural sectors
  • Judicial Processes: Reports on precedent-setting cases in Ontario courts

Pitching Priorities

  • Localized Data: Prefers stories with ward-level crime statistics or municipal policy documents
  • Human Angles: Seeks narratives connecting legal changes to individual experiences
  • Visual Assets: Prioritizes pitches including crime scene maps or infographics

With 7+ years building institutional knowledge of Southwestern Ontario’s law enforcement landscape, Carruthers offers PR professionals a critical conduit for stories balancing investigative rigor and community relevance.

Jessica McDiarmid

Crime journalist at Canada's National Observer, Canada
Canada
Crime
Climate
Environment

An award-winning investigative journalist and author, McDiarmid specializes in systemic inequities with particular focus on:

  • Indigenous Justice: Documenting solutions to MMIWG2S crisis
  • Climate Equity: Analyzing urban environmental disparities
  • Historical Accountability: Tracing policy impacts across generations

Pitching Recommendations

  • Do: Lead with community-validated data
  • Avoid: Sensationalized individual narratives
  • Unique Angle: Highlight preventive policy frameworks
“Effective journalism doesn’t just diagnose problems—it maps pathways to justice.” – McDiarmid on solutions reporting

Career Highlights

  • 2020 RBC Taylor Prize Finalist
  • 2019 National Bestselling Author
  • 2011 Top 40 Under 40 Canadian Journalist

Jodi Lundmark

Crime journalist at TBNewsWatch.com, Canada
Canada
Crime
Education
Business

Jodi Lundmark is a Thunder Bay-based journalist and editor at TBNewsWatch.com, specializing in crime, education, and local business reporting. With nearly two decades of experience, her work balances investigative depth with community advocacy, often spotlighting systemic challenges and collaborative solutions.

Pitching Insights

  • Crime Reporting: Prioritize stories involving retail theft, public safety partnerships, or policy-driven crime prevention. Example: Her 2025 investigation into Circle K’s $200K losses .
  • Education Focus: Pitch topics related to data security, student privacy, or institutional accountability, as seen in her coverage of the PowerSchool breach .
  • Local Business Impacts: Highlight innovative strategies for sustaining businesses amid economic pressures, such as loss prevention or community partnerships.

Lundmark’s editorial leadership at the Thunder Bay Source since 2024 has cemented her role as a trusted voice in Northwestern Ontario journalism. Her reporting is characterized by meticulous sourcing and a commitment to equitable resource access, as demonstrated in her feature on the Thunder Bay Public Library’s digital initiative .

Jonny Wakefield

Crime journalist at Edmonton Journal, Canada
Canada
Crime
Politics
Courts

As a justice reporter for the Edmonton Journal, Wakefield’s work sits at the intersection of public safety, health policy, and institutional accountability. His recent investigations demonstrate three core pillars:

  • Crime Reporting With Context: Analyzes individual cases through lenses of urban policy and community impact
  • Health System Scrutiny: Tracks funding decisions and their real-world consequences across Alberta
  • Legal Process Demystification: Explains complex court procedures and their societal implications

Pitching Priorities

  • Data-rich stories with verifiable municipal or provincial documents
  • Case studies illustrating systemic challenges in justice or healthcare
  • Expert sources able to contextualize Alberta-specific trends

Liz Monteiro

Crime journalist at The Record (Waterloo Region), Canada
Canada
Crime
Courts
Law

Liz Monteiro has established herself as The Record (Waterloo Region)’s foremost authority on crime and justice through:

  • Beat Expertise: Specializing in municipal governance’s intersection with public safety, cybercrime patterns, and restorative justice programs. Her work uniquely bridges policy analysis with human-centered storytelling.
  • Pitch Priorities: Seeks investigative leads on:
    • Local government decisions impacting community safety budgets
    • Emerging cybercrime tactics affecting small businesses
    • Evidence-based alternatives to juvenile incarceration
  • Career Highlights:
    • 2024 Ontario Newspaper Award winner for justice reporting
    • Created Waterloo Region’s first public database of court outcomes
    • Regular commentator on CBC Kitchener’s Crime Watch segment

Monteiro’s reporting combines rigorous data analysis with deep community engagement, making her work essential reading for policymakers and residents alike. She maintains particular interest in solutions-oriented stories demonstrating measurable impact on recidivism rates and victim support systems.

Michel Boyer

Crime journalist at CTV News, Canada
Canada
Crime
Politics
Environment

Michel Boyer established himself as one of Canada’s most respected policy and crime reporters through his work with CTV News and Global News. His career demonstrates particular expertise in:

  • Crime Reporting: Focused on systemic solutions rather than sensationalism Seeks stories connecting individual incidents to broader prevention strategies
  • Policy Analysis: Specializes in economic and environmental regulations Prefers case studies demonstrating real-world policy impacts
  • Cultural Preservation: Advocates for historical artifact accessibility Interested in digital archiving challenges and community engagement

Pitching Priorities

Boyer prioritizes stories with:

  • Clear municipal-level impacts of federal decisions
  • Actionable solutions to systemic issues
  • Underreported connections between policy areas

Nicole O'Reilly

Crime journalist at The Hamilton Spectator, Canada
Canada
Crime
Courts
Law

As The Hamilton Spectator's lead crime reporter since 2016, Nicole O'Reilly has built a reputation for deep-source investigative journalism that balances human stories with systemic analysis. Her work primarily focuses on:

  • Police Procedure Innovations: Tracking how law enforcement adapts to new crime patterns
  • Courtroom Transparency: Demystifying complex legal processes for public understanding
  • Community Safety Initiatives: Highlighting grassroots solutions to urban crime challenges

Pitching Priorities

Successful story angles typically involve:

  • Data-driven analysis of local crime trends
  • Profiles of justice system professionals beyond leadership roles
  • Long-term follow-ups on previous criminal cases

Recent accolades include the 2024 Ontario Newspaper Award for her examination of plea bargain disparities and the Hamilton Police Service's rare civilian media relations honor. O'Reilly continues shaping Canada's crime reporting standards through her commitment to contextualized, impact-driven journalism.

Paige Parsons

Crime journalist at CBC News, Canada
Canada
Crime
Justice
Courts

Paige Parsons is CBC’s leading voice on criminal justice reform, specializing in community-focused solutions and systemic analysis. Based in Edmonton, her work bridges gap between legal policy and human impact stories.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Judicial Innovation: Track record of reporting on alternative sentencing models
  • Police Reform: Regular analysis of law enforcement training programs
  • Victim Advocacy: Platforming survivor-led justice initiatives

Pitching Preferences

  • Data-Driven Solutions: Prioritizes stories with measurable community impact metrics
  • Cross-Sector Collaborations: Interested in justice system partnerships with healthcare/education sectors

Recent accolades include the 2023 CAJ Investigative Award for exposing court delays in sexual violence cases. Her reporting continues to influence provincial justice policy reforms.

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Paul Cherry

Crime journalist at Montreal Gazette, Canada
Canada
Crime
Courts
Law

Paul Cherry is a veteran crime and courts reporter for the Montreal Gazette, specializing in criminal trials, judicial decisions, and organized crime. With a career spanning over 20 years, his work bridges investigative journalism and legal analysis, offering readers unparalleled insight into Quebec’s justice system.

Pitching Tips

  • Local Legal Angles: Prioritize Montreal-centric cases with implications for provincial law or public policy.
  • Expert Access: Provide contacts with legal professionals who can offer nuanced commentary on ongoing trials.
  • Avoid Sensationalism: Focus on factual developments rather than emotional narratives.
“Cherry’s reporting demystifies the legal process without compromising its complexity.” — Canadian Bar Association Review

Raissa Tetanish

Crime journalist at Hub Now, Canada
Canada
Crime
Environment
Community!

Raissa Tetanish is an award-nominated Canadian journalist specializing in community-focused investigations for Hub Now and The Truro News. With over a decade of experience in rural Nova Scotia, she has become a vital voice in:

  • Crisis Documentation: Authored 40+ articles on the Portapique mass shooting's aftermath
  • Environmental Accountability: Exposed mining industry practices impacting local ecosystems
  • Infrastructure Development: Tracked $15M+ in community revitalization projects

Pitching Priorities

Successful story ideas should:

  • Demonstrate verified community impact through municipal records
  • Highlight innovative solutions to rural challenges
  • Connect policy decisions to localized outcomes

Recent recognition includes a 2018 Atlantic Journalism Award nomination for her investigative mining series and academic citations of her disaster reporting methodology.

international environmental issues, urban development

Randy Richmond

Crime journalist at The London Free Press, Canada
Canada
Crime
Law
Social Justice!

Randy Richmond (The London Free Press) investigates systemic inequities in Canada’s criminal justice and healthcare systems. With 25+ years specializing in accountability reporting, his work influences provincial policy reforms while centering marginalized communities’ experiences.

Pitching Priorities

  • Indigenous Health Access: Seeks stories exposing disparities in culturally competent care delivery. Example: March 2025 SOAHAC leadership crisis investigation
  • Prisoner Rehabilitation Policies: Analyzes gaps between legislative intent and implementation. Example: March 2025 unsupervised furlough report

Avoid

  • White-collar crime prosecutions
  • Corporate legal strategies

Awards Snapshot

  • 2019 National Newspaper Award (Journalist of the Year)
  • 3x Ontario Newspaper Award finalist

Ryan Thorpe

Crime journalist at Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Canada
Canada
Crime
Politics
Investigative Journalism!

Ryan Thorpe is an investigative journalist specializing in government accountability and far-right extremism, currently serving as an investigative reporter for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. With roots in daily crime reporting at the Winnipeg Free Press, Thorpe has evolved into a specialist in long-form investigations requiring undercover work or complex data analysis.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Public Sector Accountability: Tracks misuse of taxpayer funds through procurement audits and whistleblower accounts
  • Hate Group Operations: Investigates financing and recruitment strategies of extremist organizations
  • Prison Reform: Analyzes systemic issues in correctional healthcare and rehabilitation programs

Avoid Pitches About

  • Celebrity culture or lifestyle trends
  • Technology startups without policy implications
  • International affairs unrelated to Canadian interests
“Journalism isn’t a career, but a calling – it’s about being a persistent check on power.”

Thorpe’s work has influenced national security protocols and prison healthcare reforms, earning recognition from the Canadian Association of Journalists and National Newspaper Awards. His digital-first approach combines traditional investigative techniques with data journalism tools, making him particularly receptive to stories with multimedia potential.

Steve Bruce

Crime journalist at SaltWire, Canada
Canada
Crime
Philanthropy
Education

Steve Bruce is a journalist at SaltWire, focusing on crime, philanthropy, and education. His work combines rigorous investigative reporting with a passion for community impact, particularly in Canada’s Maritimes region.

Pitching Tips

  • Localized Systemic Issues: Highlight how individual stories reflect broader institutional challenges, supported by expert commentary.
  • Education Philanthropy: Focus on programs with clear outcomes, such as scholarships or teacher training initiatives.

Achievements

  • Founded the Bruce Initiative on Rethinking Capitalism, influencing education policy debates.
  • Expanded UC Santa Cruz’s Cal Teach program, directly supporting 45+ educators.

Stewart Bell

Crime journalist at Global News, Canada
Canada
Crime
Military
Politics

Stewart Bell is Global News' national security correspondent and senior investigative reporter based in Toronto. With 20+ years experience, he specializes in:

  • Transnational Threats: Terrorism financing, foreign interference, and international sanctions evasion
  • Diaspora Impacts: How global conflicts manifest in Canadian ethnic communities
  • Security Policy: Intelligence operations, counter-radicalization programs, and border security

Pitching Priorities

  • Document-Based Investigations: Leaked government memos, court filings, or financial records
  • Humanized Security Stories: Victims of terrorism/war crimes now in Canada
  • Cross-Border Crime: Drug cartels, human trafficking rings, or sanctions-busting networks

Recent accolades include the 2024 Michener Award for exposing terrorist financing through Canadian charities. Avoid pitches on cybercrime or domestic extremism without international connections.

SHORTBIO:

Stewart Bell stands as Canada's foremost investigative journalist on national security matters, currently serving as Senior National Security Reporter for Global News. With unparalleled access to intelligence sources and legal documents, his work bridges international conflicts and domestic policy impacts.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Transnational Terrorism: Tracks ISIS/al-Qaeda networks with Canadian connections
  • Foreign Interference: Exposes state-sponsored operations in Canadian diaspora communities
  • Sanctions Enforcement: Investigates sanctions-busting through corporate/financial systems

Pitching Guidelines

  • Provide Documentation: Bell prioritizes stories backed by court files, leaked memos, or financial records
  • Humanize Global Conflicts: Seek stories connecting international crises to Canadian residents
  • Follow the Money: Financial trails often make stronger narratives than ideological angles

Recent milestone: 2024 Michener Award winner for exposing terrorist financing through Canadian non-profits. Avoid speculative pitches without verified sources or documents.

Tara Bradbury

Crime journalist at The Telegram (St. John's, NL), Canada
Canada
Crime
Law
Courts

Tara Bradbury is an award-winning crime and courts reporter for The Telegram in St. John's, Newfoundland, with 15 years of experience covering legal systems and their community impacts. Her work consistently bridges the gap between complex judicial processes and public understanding.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Criminal Justice Reform: Track record of reporting that has influenced provincial policy changes
  • Gender-Based Violence: Pioneering investigator of online harassment patterns
  • Technology Law: Specializes in local impacts of global digital platform regulations

Pitching Recommendations

  • Local Legal Precedents: Prioritize stories with demonstrable community impact
  • Data-Driven Narratives: Requires verified statistics from official sources
  • Multi-Stakeholder Access: Must include both institutional and individual perspectives

Recent accolades include the 2021 Atlantic Journalism Award and 2019 CAJ Ethics in Reporting recognition. Bradbury's work continues to shape public discourse on justice system accountability in Atlantic Canada.

Thia James

Crime journalist at The Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Canada
Canada
Crime
Business
Local News!

Based in Saskatoon, Thia James delivers award-winning coverage of policing, Indigenous advocacy, and local governance for The Saskatoon StarPhoenix. Her 15-year career spans broadcast, digital, and print journalism, with a focus on data-driven investigations that bridge institutional accountability and community needs.

Pitching Priorities

  • Police Policy Reforms: Prefers localized angles with access to decision-makers (e.g., “How Saskatoon’s new foot patrol program reduced nighttime burglaries by 22%”)
  • Indigenous Justice Initiatives: Seeks stories co-reported with First Nations partners, particularly around MMIWG2S+ prevention programs
  • Courtroom Transparency: Interested in explainers on complex legal procedures affecting marginalized groups

Avoid

  • True crime narratives without systemic analysis
  • Business trends unrelated to public safety or community impact
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