Summary of the General Assignment Reporter- Ontario job at thenationalobserver

As Canada’s National Observer’s General Assignment Reporter for Ontario, you will report on the intersection between politics and climate at all levels in Ontario. You will be on the ground, talking with people, documenting events, reporting on stories as they happen — not from behind a computer screen.

You will be responsible for covering Queen’s Park as well as industries, the environment, local and regional politics, judicial proceedings, land-use issues, inspiring people doing interesting things and the impact of climate change on Ontario.

You will pay particular attention to how policy at different levels interact, and how ordinary Ontarians’ lives are affected by the decisions made by their representatives in government. 

Key Responsibilities

• Report 2-3 stories weekly, with allowances for extra reporting time when appropriate
• Report accurately, write engagingly and practice journalism ethically
• Develop contacts and information pathways at provincial levels
• Report on breaking news related to climate, from disasters to court decisions
• Travel within Ontario as appropriate
• Be responsive to editors and colleagues
• Experiment with innovative ways to tell stories online

What we’re looking for

• Strong English-language reporting and writing skills
• A minimum undergraduate degree or equivalent experience
• Three-plus years of reporting experience, ideally with a focus on politics, climate policy, city issues or a related field
• A passion for climate change news and staying on top of the key political, policy and business issues in Canada that impact the climate agenda
• A track record of finding unique stories and angles, not following the pack
• A great storyteller
• Proven skills using Freedom of Information requests and other investigative tools
  
• Other multimedia skills like photography, videography, data journalism or social media are assets

Tips for applying

• The successful applicant must live in the GTA

Salary and benefits

• Salary: $73,000 annually
• Comprehensive Sun Life package (including dental, mental health counselling, wellness funds, gender affirmation coverage, travel insurance, and $25,000 life insurance)
• 12 paid vacation days plus 11 statutory holidays, plus paid office closure between Christmas and New Year
• $125/month towards home office expenses
• RSP matching (up to $1,500/year)
• This is a bargaining unit position under the Collective Agreement between Observer Media Group (Canada’s National Observer) and the Canadian Media Guild. It ensures annual 3% cost-of-living increases and robust support. This is a J1 category reporter position.
  

How to apply

Please submit applications through the Bamboo Portal and include a resume, cover letter and three writing samples highlighting your best work. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Deadline for applications is June 30, 2026.

Canada's National Observer is committed to building a team that reflects the country we cover. We actively welcome applications from Indigenous, Black, and racialized candidates, women, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities. Our Vancouver newsroom is located on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and the land we live on inspires the work we do.

We look forward to hearing from you.