Krista Hessey
@kristahessey.bsky.social
Senior Writer at CBC's The Fifth Estate
Former national investigative correspondent, Global News
Lover of long reads. Send tips to [email protected]. Email or DM for Signal.
Former national investigative correspondent, Global News
Lover of long reads. Send tips to [email protected]. Email or DM for Signal.
Venture Academy received millions in federal funding before it was cut off in 2020 due to concerns about its residential program for youth.
4 years later, Venture's founder created a new company & funds began flowing.
We found the two businesses are integrated.
globalnews.ca/news/1133490...
4 years later, Venture's founder created a new company & funds began flowing.
We found the two businesses are integrated.
globalnews.ca/news/1133490...
New name, old ties: Federal funds for Indigenous youth linked to company previously cut off | Globalnews.ca
The founder of youth treatment centres cut off from Jordan's Principle funding has launched a new company to treat Indigenous teens, a Global News investigation has found.
globalnews.ca
September 3, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Venture Academy received millions in federal funding before it was cut off in 2020 due to concerns about its residential program for youth.
4 years later, Venture's founder created a new company & funds began flowing.
We found the two businesses are integrated.
globalnews.ca/news/1133490...
4 years later, Venture's founder created a new company & funds began flowing.
We found the two businesses are integrated.
globalnews.ca/news/1133490...
Some personal news: I've left Global News to join the CBC's Fifth Estate.
I'm already missing many of my Global colleagues, but
I'm making documentaries again and couldn't be happier!
Tips now go to: [email protected]
I'm already missing many of my Global colleagues, but
I'm making documentaries again and couldn't be happier!
Tips now go to: [email protected]
August 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Some personal news: I've left Global News to join the CBC's Fifth Estate.
I'm already missing many of my Global colleagues, but
I'm making documentaries again and couldn't be happier!
Tips now go to: [email protected]
I'm already missing many of my Global colleagues, but
I'm making documentaries again and couldn't be happier!
Tips now go to: [email protected]
ICYMI: Our investigation into Venture Academy uncovered allegations of sexual abuse linked to the company's "host parents."
I sat down with one of the four underage girls who say they were abused or assaulted by men who became their carers while attending the program.
globalnews.ca/news/1132235...
I sat down with one of the four underage girls who say they were abused or assaulted by men who became their carers while attending the program.
globalnews.ca/news/1132235...
Promise of healing became sexual abuse in homes linked to teen facility, girls allege | Globalnews.ca
Venture Academy has faced years of sexual abuse and assault allegations over its host parents, according to court and child welfare documents, and interviews with former residents.
globalnews.ca
August 27, 2025 at 7:52 PM
ICYMI: Our investigation into Venture Academy uncovered allegations of sexual abuse linked to the company's "host parents."
I sat down with one of the four underage girls who say they were abused or assaulted by men who became their carers while attending the program.
globalnews.ca/news/1132235...
I sat down with one of the four underage girls who say they were abused or assaulted by men who became their carers while attending the program.
globalnews.ca/news/1132235...
This is the 2nd story in our series on Venture Academy, a teen treatment program with locations in Ontario, Alberta & previously BC.
Our six-month investigation uncovered several allegations of girls being sexually abused by ‘host parents’ while enrolled in Venture.
globalnews.ca/news/1132235...
Our six-month investigation uncovered several allegations of girls being sexually abused by ‘host parents’ while enrolled in Venture.
globalnews.ca/news/1132235...
Promise of healing became sexual abuse in homes linked to teen facility, girls allege | Globalnews.ca
Venture Academy has faced years of sexual abuse and assault allegations over its host parents, according to court and child welfare documents, and interviews with former residents.
globalnews.ca
August 20, 2025 at 6:56 PM
This is the 2nd story in our series on Venture Academy, a teen treatment program with locations in Ontario, Alberta & previously BC.
Our six-month investigation uncovered several allegations of girls being sexually abused by ‘host parents’ while enrolled in Venture.
globalnews.ca/news/1132235...
Our six-month investigation uncovered several allegations of girls being sexually abused by ‘host parents’ while enrolled in Venture.
globalnews.ca/news/1132235...
Reposted by Krista Hessey
I'm launching a new study on therapeutic boarding schools in Canada. I am looking for people who have previously been enrolled in a Canadian therapeutic boarding school. Research includes a brief, confidential online questionnaire. Please spread the word!
hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
July 25, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I'm launching a new study on therapeutic boarding schools in Canada. I am looking for people who have previously been enrolled in a Canadian therapeutic boarding school. Research includes a brief, confidential online questionnaire. Please spread the word!
hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Little is known about the scale of the for-profit, or private, industry in Canada. Researcher @sgolightley.bsky.social, who likened Venture's program to other Troubled Teen institutions she's studied in the U.S., wants to change that.
hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Canadian Therapeutic Boarding School Research Study
The research study aims to gain understanding of the types of therapeutic boarding schools that have operated in Canada. Therapeutic boarding schools are programs that seek to reform young people labe...
hass.eu.qualtrics.com
August 7, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Little is known about the scale of the for-profit, or private, industry in Canada. Researcher @sgolightley.bsky.social, who likened Venture's program to other Troubled Teen institutions she's studied in the U.S., wants to change that.
hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
hass.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Our six-month investigation into Venture Academy, marketed as 'Canada's leading program for struggling teens', reveals allegations it has caused dozens of youth psychological and emotional harm — despite years of red flags from government and child welfare agencies. globalnews.ca/news/1131892...
‘Not what you think they are’: Inside a teen facility facing years of red flags, mistreatment claims | Globalnews.ca
Venture Academy markets itself as therapeutic care for struggling teens. But a six-month Global News investigation found dozens of allegations of psychological and emotional harm.
globalnews.ca
August 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Our six-month investigation into Venture Academy, marketed as 'Canada's leading program for struggling teens', reveals allegations it has caused dozens of youth psychological and emotional harm — despite years of red flags from government and child welfare agencies. globalnews.ca/news/1131892...
Reposted by Krista Hessey
Nine First Nations are taking the Ontario and Canadian governments to court, arguing new laws fast-tracking major projects (in part by making them exempt from some laws) violate the Crown's constitutional obligations: www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Nine Ontario First Nations launch constitutional challenge against Bill 5 and Bill C-5
Lawyers for the Indigenous groups say in a legal filing that the two bills ‘violate the constitutional obligation of the Crown’ and want both bills struck down
www.theglobeandmail.com
July 15, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Nine First Nations are taking the Ontario and Canadian governments to court, arguing new laws fast-tracking major projects (in part by making them exempt from some laws) violate the Crown's constitutional obligations: www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
In a Friday afternoon publication, the Ethics Commissioner lists more than 100 corporate entities PM Carney must recuse himself from debates or votes on. www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Carney’s ethics filing shows more than 100 entities under conflict-of-interest screen
Entities include Brookfield Asset Management and any company owned or controlled by it
www.theglobeandmail.com
July 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
In a Friday afternoon publication, the Ethics Commissioner lists more than 100 corporate entities PM Carney must recuse himself from debates or votes on. www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Krista Hessey
We asked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for his and his staff’s emails with Elon Musk and Musk’s companies. The governor’s office won’t turn them over, saying some contain “intimate and embarrassing” info that is “not of legitimate concern to the public.” 🤔
@lmcgaughy.bsky.social @kutnews.bsky.social
@lmcgaughy.bsky.social @kutnews.bsky.social
Texas Governor’s Office Says Its Emails With Elon Musk May Be, in Part, Too “Embarrassing” to Release to the Public
We asked Abbott for his and his staff’s emails with Elon Musk and Musk’s companies. The governor’s office won’t turn them over, saying some contain “intimate and embarrassing” information that is “not...
www.propublica.org
July 14, 2025 at 11:44 AM
We asked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for his and his staff’s emails with Elon Musk and Musk’s companies. The governor’s office won’t turn them over, saying some contain “intimate and embarrassing” info that is “not of legitimate concern to the public.” 🤔
@lmcgaughy.bsky.social @kutnews.bsky.social
@lmcgaughy.bsky.social @kutnews.bsky.social
What I'm reading today. thenarwhal.ca/canadian-arm...
Staff at Canadian Armed Forces base say contamination made them sick | The Narwhal
CFB Moose Jaw is contaminated with forever chemicals (PFAS). Employees say toxins at the Canadian Armed Forces base caused cancers, neurological disorders and other illnesses
thenarwhal.ca
July 9, 2025 at 2:15 PM
What I'm reading today. thenarwhal.ca/canadian-arm...
The RCMP say they have charged three men with facilitating a terrorist activity in a plot to create an “anti-government militia” in Quebec and a fourth with multiple explosives and firearms charges.
globalnews.ca/news/1127937...
globalnews.ca/news/1127937...
RCMP charge multiple men in ‘anti-government militia’ plot in Quebec | Globalnews.ca
According to authorities, all four men were also allegedly involved in activities intending to forcibly take possession of land in the Quebec City area.
globalnews.ca
July 8, 2025 at 1:22 PM
The RCMP say they have charged three men with facilitating a terrorist activity in a plot to create an “anti-government militia” in Quebec and a fourth with multiple explosives and firearms charges.
globalnews.ca/news/1127937...
globalnews.ca/news/1127937...
A must-read investigation from my colleagues Carolyn Jarvis and Andrew McIntosh.
Canada set up a $50M vaccine injury program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those harmed say it’s failing them.
globalnews.ca/news/1124764...
Canada set up a $50M vaccine injury program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those harmed say it’s failing them.
globalnews.ca/news/1124764...
Canada set up a $50M vaccine injury program. Those harmed say it’s failing them - National | Globalnews.ca
“They don't treat us as human beings,” one vaccine injury program claimant said. “It feels like they’re waiting for us to die."
globalnews.ca
July 3, 2025 at 1:50 PM
A must-read investigation from my colleagues Carolyn Jarvis and Andrew McIntosh.
Canada set up a $50M vaccine injury program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those harmed say it’s failing them.
globalnews.ca/news/1124764...
Canada set up a $50M vaccine injury program in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those harmed say it’s failing them.
globalnews.ca/news/1124764...
Mandy Gull-Masty's appointment to minister of Indigenous Services Canada marks the first time the department has been led by an Indigenous person.
www.aptnnews.ca/national-new...
www.aptnnews.ca/national-new...
Cree leader named minister of Indigenous Services Canada
Cree MP Mandy Gull-Masty has been named minister of Indigenous Services Canada by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
www.aptnnews.ca
May 14, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Mandy Gull-Masty's appointment to minister of Indigenous Services Canada marks the first time the department has been led by an Indigenous person.
www.aptnnews.ca/national-new...
www.aptnnews.ca/national-new...
“Censorship is the tool of those who have the need to hide actualities from themselves and from others. Their fear is only their inability to face what is real…Somewhere in their upbringing, they were shielded against the total facts of our existence.”
- Bukowski
- Bukowski
May 10, 2025 at 2:13 AM
“Censorship is the tool of those who have the need to hide actualities from themselves and from others. Their fear is only their inability to face what is real…Somewhere in their upbringing, they were shielded against the total facts of our existence.”
- Bukowski
- Bukowski
Reposted by Krista Hessey
Here is one of the stories, with an Edmonton angle, I worked on with @kristahessey.bsky.social for which @globalnews.ca is a finalist for the Michener Awards this year. globalnews.ca/news/1062613...
Boissonnault’s former business partner linked to woman detained in Dominican Republic cocaine bust | Globalnews.ca
Stephen Anderson, Boissonnault’s former partner at Global Health Imports, is scheduled to testify before the ethics committee July 17.
globalnews.ca
May 9, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Here is one of the stories, with an Edmonton angle, I worked on with @kristahessey.bsky.social for which @globalnews.ca is a finalist for the Michener Awards this year. globalnews.ca/news/1062613...
Our series of investigations into federal procurement has been chosen as a finalist for the 2024 Michener Award!
Journalists dream of winning this award, and even to be chosen as a finalist is an honour.
www.michenerawards.ca/media-releas...
Journalists dream of winning this award, and even to be chosen as a finalist is an honour.
www.michenerawards.ca/media-releas...
Michener Award Finalists Announced: Investigative Journalism that Sparked Change Across Canada - Michener Awards Foundation
Ottawa – The Michener Awards Foundation is proud to announce the finalists for the 2024 Michener Award for meritorious public service journalism. This year’s entries reflect Canadian journalism of the...
www.michenerawards.ca
May 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Our series of investigations into federal procurement has been chosen as a finalist for the 2024 Michener Award!
Journalists dream of winning this award, and even to be chosen as a finalist is an honour.
www.michenerawards.ca/media-releas...
Journalists dream of winning this award, and even to be chosen as a finalist is an honour.
www.michenerawards.ca/media-releas...
Reposted by Krista Hessey
1/ For ProPublica’s “Life of the Mother” series, winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for public service, we reported on five pregnant women who died after not receiving timely medical care in states with strict abortion bans.
These are their stories 🧵
These are their stories 🧵
May 7, 2025 at 12:00 AM
1/ For ProPublica’s “Life of the Mother” series, winner of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for public service, we reported on five pregnant women who died after not receiving timely medical care in states with strict abortion bans.
These are their stories 🧵
These are their stories 🧵
Reading that Bruce Fanjoy has been campaigning in Poilievre’s riding for two years and knocked on thousands of doors… that man was determined to unseat him for the first time in 21 years.
ottawacitizen.com/news/how-bru...
ottawacitizen.com/news/how-bru...
How Bruce Fanjoy (somehow) beat Pierre Poilievre in Carleton
Hours after most Canadians went to bed, the long-shot, first-time Liberal candidate defeated the leader of the Conservative party
ottawacitizen.com
April 29, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Reading that Bruce Fanjoy has been campaigning in Poilievre’s riding for two years and knocked on thousands of doors… that man was determined to unseat him for the first time in 21 years.
ottawacitizen.com/news/how-bru...
ottawacitizen.com/news/how-bru...
Follow along as the final results continue to trickle in:
Canada election: Live results from the 2025 vote - National | Globalnews.ca
Global News has live, real-time results in the maps and interactives on this page from all 343 ridings in Canada.
globalnews.ca
April 29, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Follow along as the final results continue to trickle in:
Reposted by Krista Hessey
Pierre Poilievre projected to lose his Ottawa-area riding, with two polls still to be reported
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Pierre Poilievre projected to lose his Ottawa-area riding, with two polls still to be reported
Liberal challenger Bruce Fanjoy projected to take seat from Conservative Leader who had won seven previous elections
www.theglobeandmail.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Pierre Poilievre projected to lose his Ottawa-area riding, with two polls still to be reported
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Reposted by Krista Hessey
Doug Ford emerging as the fall guy this morning.
MP accuses Doug Ford of ‘sabotaging’ federal election campaign by helping Liberals
As the federal Conservatives assess a campaign that saw leader Pierre Poilievre lose his Ottawa-area seat of Carleton, they are pointing fingers at Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
www.thestar.com
April 29, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Doug Ford emerging as the fall guy this morning.
Conservatives made inroads in the GTA with Roman Baber - who railed against COVID lockdown measures - winning a seat in York region.
Richmond Hill and Markham also turned blue.
thelocal.to/gta-federal-...
Richmond Hill and Markham also turned blue.
thelocal.to/gta-federal-...
Toronto Stays Red, But Conservatives Make Inroads in the GTA | The Local
The Liberals take the GTA, and the country, as the Conservatives improve on their 2021 performance.
thelocal.to
April 29, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Conservatives made inroads in the GTA with Roman Baber - who railed against COVID lockdown measures - winning a seat in York region.
Richmond Hill and Markham also turned blue.
thelocal.to/gta-federal-...
Richmond Hill and Markham also turned blue.
thelocal.to/gta-federal-...
Reposted by Krista Hessey
The NDP is way down and has some serious thinking to do, but if the Liberals end up with 168 seats and the NDP gets 7, the orange side has a shot at major leverage in the next Parliament (as does the BQ).
April 29, 2025 at 12:42 PM
The NDP is way down and has some serious thinking to do, but if the Liberals end up with 168 seats and the NDP gets 7, the orange side has a shot at major leverage in the next Parliament (as does the BQ).