Patti Sonntag
@pattisonntag.bsky.social
Parliament Hill reporter for Investigative Journalism Foundation
Founder, Institute for Investigative Journalism, former NYT
Founder, Institute for Investigative Journalism, former NYT
Billions of Indigenous procurement dollars go to Ottawa-area firms — but the rest of Canada is largely shut out.
@theijf.org, @aptnnews.bsky.social and students from First Nations University of Canada and @uregina.bsky.social teamed up to find out where the money went.
Learn more at the link
@theijf.org, @aptnnews.bsky.social and students from First Nations University of Canada and @uregina.bsky.social teamed up to find out where the money went.
Learn more at the link
Billions of dollars in federal contracts intended to support Indigenous businesses across Canada are being awarded to two dozen firms in Ottawa, leaving many regions out in the cold.
zurl.co/dL3VZ
#ottawa #truthandreconciliation #cdnpoli
zurl.co/dL3VZ
#ottawa #truthandreconciliation #cdnpoli
November 3, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Billions of Indigenous procurement dollars go to Ottawa-area firms — but the rest of Canada is largely shut out.
@theijf.org, @aptnnews.bsky.social and students from First Nations University of Canada and @uregina.bsky.social teamed up to find out where the money went.
Learn more at the link
@theijf.org, @aptnnews.bsky.social and students from First Nations University of Canada and @uregina.bsky.social teamed up to find out where the money went.
Learn more at the link
Reposted by Patti Sonntag
As Ottawa rolls out billions in major projects, most smaller Canadian firms remain shut out of federal contracting. The numbers tell the story.
zurl.co/hbxY2
#cdnpoli
zurl.co/hbxY2
#cdnpoli
Federal contracting sidelines smaller businesses, watchdog warns
Ottawa contracting practices still challenging for smaller businesses, records show
zurl.co
October 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM
As Ottawa rolls out billions in major projects, most smaller Canadian firms remain shut out of federal contracting. The numbers tell the story.
zurl.co/hbxY2
#cdnpoli
zurl.co/hbxY2
#cdnpoli
Reposted by Patti Sonntag
Indigenous Services Canada fails to deliver on most promises, says auditor general www.aptnnews.ca?p=278710 #indigenous #cdnpoli
Indigenous Services ignored 18 out of 34 recommendations
The audit’s findings are especially alarming in two areas: access to safe drinking water and emergency management services.
www.aptnnews.ca
October 21, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Indigenous Services Canada fails to deliver on most promises, says auditor general www.aptnnews.ca?p=278710 #indigenous #cdnpoli
Long domestic flight delay? You could be owed money.
CUPE says flight attendants are often caught in the middle — trying to calm passengers while airlines give mixed messages about compensation.
CUPE says flight attendants are often caught in the middle — trying to calm passengers while airlines give mixed messages about compensation.
About a third of Canadian flights are delayed each year, and passengers and crews pay the price. Read the details in our latest analysis.
zurl.co/sZcxR
#cdnpoli #airline
zurl.co/sZcxR
#cdnpoli #airline
October 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Long domestic flight delay? You could be owed money.
CUPE says flight attendants are often caught in the middle — trying to calm passengers while airlines give mixed messages about compensation.
CUPE says flight attendants are often caught in the middle — trying to calm passengers while airlines give mixed messages about compensation.
Reposted by Patti Sonntag
What happens when a celebrated scientist is accused of fabricating results to promote his patented product? We’ve obtained a leaked investigation report into misconduct at UBC, and we’re making the findings public for the first time.
theijf.org/ubc-misconduct
#bcpoli #science #CBC
theijf.org/ubc-misconduct
#bcpoli #science #CBC
October 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM
What happens when a celebrated scientist is accused of fabricating results to promote his patented product? We’ve obtained a leaked investigation report into misconduct at UBC, and we’re making the findings public for the first time.
theijf.org/ubc-misconduct
#bcpoli #science #CBC
theijf.org/ubc-misconduct
#bcpoli #science #CBC
Reposted by Patti Sonntag
We take you inside Big Tech’s playbook for fighting laws that compensate news outlets for their content. Read our investigation with other media outlets into the actions of companies like Meta and Google that run public campaigns and make threats to stop serving news.
Inside Big Tech’s playbook to halt media compensation laws
Meta and Google ran public campaigns, made threats to stop serving news, struck private deals and mobilized prominent supporters to try to influence or stall laws in Brazil, Canada, Indonesia and…
buff.ly
September 16, 2025 at 1:30 PM
We take you inside Big Tech’s playbook for fighting laws that compensate news outlets for their content. Read our investigation with other media outlets into the actions of companies like Meta and Google that run public campaigns and make threats to stop serving news.
30 years ago, BC Mounties launched an investigation into abuse at every residential school in the province. It was the first—and last—probe on this scale.
The task force's final report was buried in the RCMP archives, until it popped up in @theijf.org's databases.
theijf.org/residential-...
The task force's final report was buried in the RCMP archives, until it popped up in @theijf.org's databases.
theijf.org/residential-...
The untold story of Canada’s only province-wide police investigation into residential school abuses
Final report of the B.C. RCMP Native Indian Residential School Task Force made public for 1st time through IJF database
theijf.org
August 27, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Reposted by Patti Sonntag
Migrant surveillance data no longer has to remain in Canada. Why did Canada Border Services quietly make that change?
buff.ly/bE7x7ej
#cdnpoli
buff.ly/bE7x7ej
#cdnpoli
Migrant surveillance data no longer has to remain in Canada. That has civil liberties advocates worried
The Canada Border Services Agency revised a surveillance technology contract to allow foreign companies to bid on ankle monitors for migrants
buff.ly
August 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Migrant surveillance data no longer has to remain in Canada. Why did Canada Border Services quietly make that change?
buff.ly/bE7x7ej
#cdnpoli
buff.ly/bE7x7ej
#cdnpoli
A public servant's battle with the CRA exposes cracks in how the federal system hires, fires and rehires.
A former CRA employee worked three different positions at the agency over a span of more than 15 years before getting fired, but he has fought the agency at every turn. We broke down the years-long legal proceedings.
buff.ly/cOPstPa
#cdnpoli
buff.ly/cOPstPa
#cdnpoli
How a CRA employee cycled through rehirings, a firing and 15 years of legal battles
15 years of grievances, lawsuits and appeals reveal cracks in Canada’s public service system
buff.ly
July 30, 2025 at 2:04 PM
A public servant's battle with the CRA exposes cracks in how the federal system hires, fires and rehires.
A former deputy PM. A $2B pandemic federal contract. And a courtroom battle over alleged unregistered lobbying.
My latest for the IJF:
My latest for the IJF:
Former deputy prime minister Sheila Copps says her firm, Medipro Canada, is owed tens of millions of dollars for helping a medical equipment company win federal contracts during the pandemic.
theijf.org/former-deput...
theijf.org/former-deput...
Former deputy prime minister Sheila Copps’ firm sues for share of $2 billion federal contract
BTNX says if Copps' firm lobbied on its behalf, "then it did so by illegal means"
theijf.org
July 2, 2025 at 1:43 PM
A former deputy PM. A $2B pandemic federal contract. And a courtroom battle over alleged unregistered lobbying.
My latest for the IJF:
My latest for the IJF:
We are grateful to English River First Nation and the Returning Home Society for sharing their story, reported through a collaboration between First Nations University of Canada and @theijf.org
Sixty “potential unmarked burials” have been found near the grounds of a former residential school in Beauval, Sask., English River First Nation announced yesterday. A group searching for missing children from the Beauval school plans to further analyze the sites.
theijf.org/possible-bur...
theijf.org/possible-bur...
Possible burial sites found near former Saskatchewan residential school, First Nation says
A search near the former Beauval Indian Residential School in northwest Saskatchewan has identified 60 “potential unmarked burials” outside the bounds of the community cemetery, says English River Fir...
theijf.org
June 13, 2025 at 9:44 PM
We are grateful to English River First Nation and the Returning Home Society for sharing their story, reported through a collaboration between First Nations University of Canada and @theijf.org
Today is the Michener Awards ceremony, the highest honour in Canadian journalism! Excited that my work on federal procurement for @globalnews.ca is nominated, including a collaboration with researchers at First Nations University of Canada & University of King's College
tinyurl.com/38m42ur2
tinyurl.com/38m42ur2
Billions in federal contracts awarded to ‘Indigenous’ enterprises without verification | Globalnews.ca
The Canadian government mostly relied on an honour system when it awarded billions of dollars in contracts to enterprises identifying as Indigenous.
tinyurl.com
June 5, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Today is the Michener Awards ceremony, the highest honour in Canadian journalism! Excited that my work on federal procurement for @globalnews.ca is nominated, including a collaboration with researchers at First Nations University of Canada & University of King's College
tinyurl.com/38m42ur2
tinyurl.com/38m42ur2
The real issue, a law professor said, is a legal gap that leaves the prime minister as his own judge. If the prime minister were to violate the Conflict of Interest Act, “Mark Carney gets to decide what to do about it.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney is the former head of Brookfield Asset Management. But now, Brookfield-linked companies are lobbying him for help with resource development. Is the PM in a conflict of interest?
Read more to find out.
buff.ly/LgcrLtL
#brookfield #markcarney #cdnpoli
Read more to find out.
buff.ly/LgcrLtL
#brookfield #markcarney #cdnpoli
Brookfield firms seek help from Carney days after he takes office
Just two days after the Liberals won the federal election, executives from companies linked to the new prime minister’s former employer, Brookfield Asset Management, began asking for his help.
buff.ly
May 28, 2025 at 1:36 PM
The real issue, a law professor said, is a legal gap that leaves the prime minister as his own judge. If the prime minister were to violate the Conflict of Interest Act, “Mark Carney gets to decide what to do about it.”
Two Canadian manufacturers and an industry group are urging the lobbying commissioner to investigate Sheila Copps’ role in discussions about possible pandemic-era contracts. One importer involved later received an estimated $2 billion in federal deals.
Canadian medical supply manufacturers want an investigation into former Liberal minister Sheila Copps’ alleged role in helping importers land government meetings. One importer later received billions in pandemic contracts. Find out more.
buff.ly/NusiegH
#cdnpoli #pandemic
buff.ly/NusiegH
#cdnpoli #pandemic
Former Liberal minister’s pandemic-era role in medical supply deal renews concerns over insider access
buff.ly
May 9, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Two Canadian manufacturers and an industry group are urging the lobbying commissioner to investigate Sheila Copps’ role in discussions about possible pandemic-era contracts. One importer involved later received an estimated $2 billion in federal deals.
Thank you for the kind words! Honoured to be recognized #PressFreedom
Congrats to @pattisonntag.bsky.social for winning a #PressFreedom Award Certificate of Merit for her tenacious reporting on Indigenous procurement.
Félicitations à Patti Sonntag pour avoir remporté un certificat de mérite.
Learn more: buff.ly/qgrV5jx
#cdnpoli #WPFCLuncheon2025
Félicitations à Patti Sonntag pour avoir remporté un certificat de mérite.
Learn more: buff.ly/qgrV5jx
#cdnpoli #WPFCLuncheon2025
May 1, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Thank you for the kind words! Honoured to be recognized #PressFreedom
The federal Liberal government unveiled billions in funding — including millions for battleground ridings in Alberta — days before it called the election.
One prof says that wasn’t fair to the opposition parties. Find out more:
theijf.org/ottawa-unvei...
One prof says that wasn’t fair to the opposition parties. Find out more:
theijf.org/ottawa-unvei...
Ottawa unveiled billions in funding days before election call — targeting millions at key Alberta ridings
“It’s just yet another example of the rules of the game tilting in favour of the governing party,” professor says
theijf.org
April 30, 2025 at 9:11 PM
The federal Liberal government unveiled billions in funding — including millions for battleground ridings in Alberta — days before it called the election.
One prof says that wasn’t fair to the opposition parties. Find out more:
theijf.org/ottawa-unvei...
One prof says that wasn’t fair to the opposition parties. Find out more:
theijf.org/ottawa-unvei...
Reposted by Patti Sonntag
We’re thrilled to announce Patti Sonntag is joining the IJF as our eyes and ears on the ground in Ottawa! A highly decorated Canadian reporter, Patti brings extensive experience in data-driven investigations and public-interest reporting. Read the story.
buff.ly/akhqiLF
#cdnpoli #Ottawa
buff.ly/akhqiLF
#cdnpoli #Ottawa
April 15, 2025 at 1:15 PM
We’re thrilled to announce Patti Sonntag is joining the IJF as our eyes and ears on the ground in Ottawa! A highly decorated Canadian reporter, Patti brings extensive experience in data-driven investigations and public-interest reporting. Read the story.
buff.ly/akhqiLF
#cdnpoli #Ottawa
buff.ly/akhqiLF
#cdnpoli #Ottawa
This article has sparked some of the most thoughtful and nuanced responses I’ve ever received.
My latest:
“Show Canadians where your money is”
Opposition leaders call for stricter disclosure rules
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
“Show Canadians where your money is”
Opposition leaders call for stricter disclosure rules
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
'Unprecedented situation': Opposition critics say Carney's leadership bid shows need for stricter disclosure rules
Opposition parties are warning that Mark Carney could become prime minister before revealing his assets or potential conflicts of interest.
nationalpost.com
March 1, 2025 at 8:53 PM
This article has sparked some of the most thoughtful and nuanced responses I’ve ever received.
Carney says he resigned from 'all' his roles to run for Liberal leadership. Turns out he hasn't.
t.co/MWQJZdDCfG
t.co/MWQJZdDCfG
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/carney-says-he-resigned-from-all-his-roles-to-run-for-liberal-leadership-turns-out-he-hasnt
t.co
February 28, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Carney says he resigned from 'all' his roles to run for Liberal leadership. Turns out he hasn't.
t.co/MWQJZdDCfG
t.co/MWQJZdDCfG
My latest:
“Show Canadians where your money is”
Opposition leaders call for stricter disclosure rules
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
“Show Canadians where your money is”
Opposition leaders call for stricter disclosure rules
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
'Unprecedented situation': Opposition critics say Carney's leadership bid shows need for stricter disclosure rules
Opposition parties are warning that Mark Carney could become prime minister before revealing his assets or potential conflicts of interest.
nationalpost.com
February 28, 2025 at 3:10 PM
My latest:
“Show Canadians where your money is”
Opposition leaders call for stricter disclosure rules
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
“Show Canadians where your money is”
Opposition leaders call for stricter disclosure rules
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
Former Liberal minister Randy Boissonnault's pandemic startup banned from government contracts
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
Former Liberal minister Randy Boissonnault's pandemic startup banned from government contracts
The federal government deemed MP Randy Boissonnault’s pandemic startup ineligible for contracts on Friday, citing the company's “conduct.”
nationalpost.com
February 21, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Former Liberal minister Randy Boissonnault's pandemic startup banned from government contracts
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
Reposted by Patti Sonntag
I battled for three years to get this data released. Now we know the names of the 16 companies that allegedly broke rules requiring them to pay for independent environmental monitoring by scientists.
Alberta kept fines for 16 oilsands companies secret for three years | The Narwhal
Environment Ministry ordered to release data after keeping names of 16 oilsands companies secret
thenarwhal.ca
December 12, 2024 at 3:39 PM
I battled for three years to get this data released. Now we know the names of the 16 companies that allegedly broke rules requiring them to pay for independent environmental monitoring by scientists.
Attn all journos: Tonight after work at 7 pm ET, chat with @mtlgazette.bsky.social's @aaronderfel.bsky.social on Zoom with the CAJ
He'll tell us how he got the scoop on six deaths at a Montreal hospital and how you can bring vivid detail to reporting on your region's health-care pressures.
He'll tell us how he got the scoop on six deaths at a Montreal hospital and how you can bring vivid detail to reporting on your region's health-care pressures.
For those interested in how I got the scoop on the horrific deaths of 6 patients at a Montreal hospital that were covered up - and the action taken in response to my series - click below for more info on my Q & A this Thursday evening with the great @pattisonntag.bsky.social .
caj.ca/programs/eve...
caj.ca/programs/eve...
Events - Canadian Association of Journalists
caj.ca
November 21, 2024 at 6:26 PM
Attn all journos: Tonight after work at 7 pm ET, chat with @mtlgazette.bsky.social's @aaronderfel.bsky.social on Zoom with the CAJ
He'll tell us how he got the scoop on six deaths at a Montreal hospital and how you can bring vivid detail to reporting on your region's health-care pressures.
He'll tell us how he got the scoop on six deaths at a Montreal hospital and how you can bring vivid detail to reporting on your region's health-care pressures.
Randy Boissonnault stepping down from cabinet after shifting claims on Indigenous heritage
nationalpost.com/news/randy-b...
nationalpost.com/news/randy-b...
Randy Boissonnault stepping down from cabinet after shifting claims on Indigenous heritage
The announcement came after the National Post made revelations on the minister's shifting claims to Indigenous ancestry.
nationalpost.com
November 20, 2024 at 7:50 PM
Randy Boissonnault stepping down from cabinet after shifting claims on Indigenous heritage
nationalpost.com/news/randy-b...
nationalpost.com/news/randy-b...