How We Source
Factual claims in Hansard Files reporting are anchored to identified primary records.
Digital tools may assist with document search, extraction, and drafting. I review the underlying records, citations, and final published copy.
THE SOURCES
Reporting begins with primary records. Party communications, press releases, and media coverage are not substitutes for the record. When one is used for context, it is identified and kept separate from the source supporting the factual claim.
House of Commons Debates (Hansard)
The edited and corrected transcript of what is said in the House and committees of the whole. Citations identify the sitting date and relevant speaker or proceeding.
Senate Debates (Hansard)
A substantially verbatim transcript of Senate proceedings. The transcript may be edited to reduce repetition or improve clarity.
Committee Evidence
The edited transcript of a committee’s public proceedings, including witness testimony and members’ questions. Citations identify the committee, meeting number, and date.
Orders and Notices / Order Paper
The Order Paper lists the items of business that may be considered by the House. The Notice Paper contains notices of motions and written questions that have not yet transferred to the Order Paper.
Canada Gazette
The official newspaper of the Government of Canada. Contains regulatory changes, statutory notices, and government appointments. Published in Parts I, II, and III.
Auditor General Reports
Independent performance and financial audits of federal departments and programs, produced by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.
Parliamentary Budget Officer Reports
Independent fiscal and economic analysis produced by the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
Departmental Plans and Results Reports
Annual forward-looking and retrospective reports published by federal departments and organizations.
Main and Supplementary Estimates
The government’s planned spending and requested authorities, tabled for parliamentary consideration during the fiscal year.
Open Government Records
Datasets, reports, and documents published through open.canada.ca, Library and Archives Canada, and departmental disclosure portals.
HOW CITATIONS WORK
Citations follow a consistent Hansard Files house style and include enough information to locate the original document independently.
A typical committee citation looks like this:
House of Commons. (2026). Evidence. Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Meeting No. 42, 45th Parliament, 1st Session. Parliament of Canada.
A Hansard citation looks like this:
House of Commons Debates. (2026, April 28). 45th Parliament, 1st Session, Vol. 151, No. 18. Parliament of Canada.
Citations identify the original document and, where a stable public URL exists, link directly to it.
HOW TO VERIFY A CLAIM
All House and Senate debate transcripts are searchable at parl.ca. Committee Evidence is indexed by committee name and meeting number at the same address. Canada Gazette issues are archived at gazette.gc.ca. Auditor General and PBO reports are available at their respective office websites.
If you believe a claim is inaccurate or unsupported, reply to any Hansard Files email.
Material factual corrections are noted in the article and dated. Minor spelling, formatting, and linking repairs may be made without a correction note.
RECORD AND ANALYSIS
When the reporting draws a conclusion that is not expressly stated in the record, the wording makes that distinction clear.
A NOTE ON SCOPE
Hansard Files covers the Canadian federal public record, with particular emphasis on Parliament, federal departments and agencies, regulatory publications, audits, open-government records, and federal archival material.
Questions about sourcing or methodology can be sent directly to the editor by replying to any Hansard Files email.