Lex Harvey @lexharvs Twitter profile

Pinned Tweet

Lex Harvey

2 days

Some news from me: today is my last day at @TorontoStar . In my four years here I’ve grown as a journalist more than I ever could have imagined, and gotten to work with some of the brightest and kindest people in the biz.

20

2

159

Last Seen Profiles

@KT10030689

@LeytherMatt

@foneycone

@PaulJac61108106

@devin3X

@MyWaylet

@IsraelIstanbul

@MarianoOses

@MartinJuez

@LyriaCroft

@sarhar1

@Letsgocaterpie

@KokobopCPA2023

@R_a_j_i_1

@Bobsaga21212234

@SachaBaronCohen

@stamp4me

@melisa959595

@GuideClothing

@sirenakaa_

@Padagambian

@tcell0

@terenurerugby

@CadenceKiley534

@_horak

@HMuhafizz

@Scotth726001

@BadWolf34618758

@Mar82198222

@xoxo_saori_xoxo

@Disastermappers

@nishishita72415

@shasha_the_lynx

@rebew_lexa

@lucifer79078258

@ANG_Recruiting

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

I fact checked everything @CPC_HQ leader @erinotoole said last week. I found 7 false claims in 213 mins of public appearances. I also deemed 6 separate claims to be a stretch. That works out to a “dishonesty density” of about 1 false claim every 30 mins.

I fact-checked everything Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the Conservative Party leader? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths.

www.thestar.com

88

678

1K

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

10 months

Big turnout here at @CycleToronto , joining new mayor @oliviachow on her ride to her first day of work at City Hall

77

219

2K

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

Scenes from the Starbucks at College & Dovercourt, which uses Bell WiFi. People are sitting on the sidewalk outside with their laptops #RogersOutage @TorontoStar

38

198

1K

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

My fact check on @NDP leader @theJagmeetSingh for @TorontoStar In total, I found five false claims in 231 minutes of public appearances. That works out to a “dishonesty density” of about one false claim every 46 minutes.

I fact-checked everything NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the NDP leader? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths.

www.thestar.com

101

382

843

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

BREAKING: 2,200 GO Transit workers will strike tomorrow after failing to reach a deal with Metrolinx, according to ATU Local 1587

21

199

833

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

My investigation into doctors prescribing ivermectin is in today’s @TorontoStar !

90

76

598

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Erin O’Toole recycles a Scheer-era false claim: No, thousands of asylum seekers haven’t crossed ‘illegally’ at Roxham Road ⁦ @TorontoStar ⁩

Erin O’Toole recycles a Scheer-era false claim: No, thousands of asylum seekers haven’t crossed...

The people crossing at Roxham Road are presenting themselves to Canadian authorities to declare asylum — and that’s “perfectly lawful,” said refugee lawyer Maureen Silcoff.

www.thestar.com

82

258

540

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Good morning. Today I begin fact checking @NDP leader @theJagmeetSingh , starting with his climate announcement at 9:15 ET. Send tips to lexharvey @thestar .ca #Elxn44

68

163

543

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

#BREAKING : Ontario's medical regulator has launched an investigation into Toronto physician Ira Bernstein, co-founder of the Canadian Covid Care alliance, and linked to the organization that prescribed @TorontoStar ivermectin. Story to come.

20

114

496

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

My final fact check, on Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, is in @torontostar today. In 248 minutes of public appearances last week, Trudeau made 5 false claims and stretched the truth 6 times. That's a “dishonesty density” of about 1 false claim/50 mins

I fact-checked everything Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the Liberal Party leader? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths.

www.thestar.com

140

177

441

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Important clarification on some of the messaging from the @NDP this week: Trudeau didn't cut health care transfers to provinces - he kept a Harper-era policy that cut the yearly growth rate of such transfers. Currently, transfers grow by at least 3%/year. #FactCheck #elxn44

42

200

405

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

This is Kartik Saini, the 20 yr old student who was struck and killed by a truck driver in midtown Toronto Wednesday. His family, who lives in India, is shattered. "In Canada everyone follow traffic rule ... why this happened?" one relative asked me.

27

100

372

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

I fact-checked everything Green leader @AnnamiePaul said last week for @TorontoStar . I found 4 false claims in 184 minutes of public appearances, working out to a "dishonesty density" of about one false claim/47 minutes. Read my full analysis here:

I fact-checked everything Green leader Annamie Paul said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the Green Party leader? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths.

www.thestar.com

40

155

327

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

#BREAKING : Patrick Phillips, a northern Ontario doctor and a director of the organization that prescribed the Star ivermectin, a disproven COVID-19 cure, has been suspended, per @cpso_ca this morning.

A covert network of Canadian doctors is prescribing ivermectin to treat COVID. Here’s how we got...

Science and medicine dismiss the drug as a COVID treatment. But for the misguided or desperate, there are those in Canada willing to supply it.

www.thestar.com

26

93

307

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Minister @C_Mulroney 's office directed @Metrolinx to leave local NDP MPPs @Peter_Tabuns @kristynwongtam off a notice sent to city and federal politicians about tree removals in their jurisdictions, according to internal emails obtained by @TorontoStar .

Doug Ford government interfered in Metrolinx tree removal communications, emails show

Internal emails obtained by the Star cast doubt on the independence of provincial transit agency Metrolinx.

www.thestar.com

34

202

326

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

#BREAKING @Metrolinx and ATU Local 1587 have reached a deal. GO bus service is expected to resume Saturday. @TorontoStar

2

53

267

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

NEW #StarInvestigation : @TorontoStar has obtained ivermectin, an disproven COVID-19 treatment, through a covert network of Canadian physicians who are prescribing it to patients willing to pay. 🧵

A covert network of Canadian doctors is prescribing ivermectin to treat COVID. Here’s how we got...

Science and medicine dismiss the drug as a COVID treatment. But for the misguided or desperate, there are those in Canada willing to supply it.

www.thestar.com

97

119

242

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Michael Kovrig’s wife and sister arrive at YYZ to greet Michael who is supposed to land within the hour. After more than 1,000 days detained in China, they say news of his release was “shocking” but “the best news.” They FaceTimed him earlier and said he looked well. @TorontoStar

13

24

220

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

I'll be fact-checking one federal leader each week for @TorontoStar . Here's the schedule: @AnnamiePaul w/o Aug. 16 @theJagmeetSingh w/o Aug. 23 @erinotoole w/o Aug. 30 @JustinTrudeau w/o Sept. 6 Send tips via DM or email lexharvey @thestar .com.

36

57

224

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

At Sussex and Spadina, where 2 hours ago a woman in her 20s was stabbed in her face and head while riding the streetcar. She was taken to hospital and is stable, police say. Suspect is a woman in her 40s. Police say early reports suggest they didn’t know each other.

61

75

215

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

After a few exciting months with the politics team, I have a new role at @torontostar ! Today I start as transportation reporter, taking the reins from the talented @BenSpurr . 1/3

18

17

218

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

My main takeaway is that Singh is running a truthful campaign. His mistakes — I counted five false claims total — weren’t malicious lies or Donald Trump-like whoppers, they were slip-ups that seemed largely forgivable in a campaign covering a wide range of issues in detail.

24

34

168

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

My fact-check on @theJagmeetSingh will be up soon on the @TorontoStar , but in the meantime I'm moving on to take a closer look at @CPC_HQ leader @erinotoole this week. I'll be tuning into his policy announcement in King City this morning. Send tips to lexharvey @thestar .ca #elxn44

12

43

165

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

I tried to fact-check everything @fordnation said for a week for @torontostar . But the Star’s fact checking method requires a leader to make a certain number of statements of fact to judge how truthful they are. The PC leader made just 19 in 5 days.

I fact checked everything PC Leader Doug Ford said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths in the lead-up to the provincial election.

www.thestar.com

23

72

150

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Any avid winter cyclists on here wanna chat for a @TorontoStar feature? Looking to speak about safety tips, the unexpected joys of biking in a snowstorm (is this a thing?), infrastructure challenges and generally how we could make Toronto more conducive to winter cycling.

78

50

152

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

The claim that most hurt O'Toole's credibility was one I couldn’t fact-check: his flop-flop on assault weapons. We’ll never know if he intentionally misled or just changed his mind, but the opacity around his position and his failure to clarify for days came across as dishonest.

13

36

142

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Now it shouldn't be so hard for @erinotoole to pronounce @theJagmeetSingh 's name properly in his pressers...

9

16

134

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

5 months

TTC 2024 budget just dropped. The TTC is planning for the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRTs to open in September 2024.

10

29

142

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

What’s Michael most looking forward to doing when he comes home? “See trees and sunlight,” his family says. “He hasn’t seen a tree in three years.”

4

28

121

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Dawn Girard has lost two brothers in three years to #opioids . They are among 17,602 Canadians who have died from opioid overdoses since 2016 — including a projected record of 2,271 in Ontario in 2020 alone. My latest for @TorontoStar (a thread):

She’s lost two brothers to opioids. Amid record deaths, she and others are pleading for change

After 2020’s staggering death toll from opioid abuse, reformers wish government were ‘listening to people who use.’

www.thestar.com

9

50

120

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

The scene at Maple Leaf Square this morning, where striking ATU Local 1587 members are chanting for an ouster of Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster

3

27

113

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

Today’s First Up ended with a bit of news from me: I’m moving on from the newsletter and starting as a politics reporter with @torontostar next week!

24

3

118

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

#BREAKING : ATU Local 1587, the union representing striking GO Transit workers, has confirmed they will next meet with @Metrolinx on Friday. GO bus strike to last at least until then. @TorontoStar

5

41

111

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

ATU's strike comes just 3 days after 55k CUPE education workers walked off the job. "This union-busting crown corporation has been given its privatization mandate by the same government that is revoking Charter Rights for CUPE workers," said ATU int'l President John Costa

1

33

105

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

A statement of fact is a claim that can be, for the most part, marked as true or false. The sky is blue. Ontario has a larger population than Quebec. Joe Biden won the 2021 U.S. presidential election. Hint: “We’re going to get it done” isn’t one.

I fact checked everything PC Leader Doug Ford said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths in the lead-up to the provincial election.

www.thestar.com

10

28

103

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

@hoccgoomusic Hi Denise, glad to hear you’re okay. I’m a reporter for the Toronto Star. Would you be up for a quick interview? Feel free to DM or email me at lexharvey @thestar .ca. Take care

12

1

102

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

O’Toole’s campaign was largely truthful, which bolsters the finding that Canadian politicians are much more honest than not. While O’Toole made slightly more false claims than Paul and Singh, he didn’t stretch the truth nearly as often as Singh did.

6

19

98

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

11 months

The nationalistic language being used around these fires is so bizarre to me. This week has been such a strong reminder that the climate crisis knows no borders. Also a reality check that the choices of individual countries will mean little without strong global action.

New York Post

@nypost

11 months

Today's cover: Air quality in NYC worst since 1980s — worse than after 9/11

1K

414

2K

5

34

105

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Is @JustinTrudeau really taking Indigenous kids to court? Is the @liberal_party really proposing a tax on primary home sales? I fact checked two of Trudeau's two key debate denials for @TorontoStar

‘That is untrue’: A fact check on Justin Trudeau’s two key debate denials

No, the Liberals are not proposing a tax on the sale of your primary home. Yes, the government is, in fact, in court challenging compensation to Indigenous kids.

www.thestar.com

27

50

92

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

4 years

Today is my first day as a @TorontoStar staffer, with the fancy new title of Newsletter Producer! Along with writing First Up, I'll be helping to build on the Star's newsletter program. So excited to join this incredible team, on what is sure to be a very calm news week 🙃🎉

12

0

102

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Like the leaders that came before him, Trudeau had an honest week. When considering all 4 leaders’ “dishonesty density” — their rate of false claims by speaking time — Trudeau was the most truthful of a fairly evenly matched bunch.

I fact-checked everything Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the Liberal Party leader? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths.

www.thestar.com

10

24

89

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

As Ontario enters Step 3 of reopening, its worth looking at the experiences of the Netherlands and the UK, whose cases shot up after restrictions were eased. A thread on where Ontario’s at and what we can learn from others.

The U.K. and the Netherlands are cautionary tales in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions too quickly....

Ontarians can now eat inside and go to movies and sports events amid falling COVID-19 case counts and rising vaccinations. But recent spikes in Europe show the dangers of reopening too quickly....

www.thestar.com

28

54

88

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

Why can’t TTC riders use their cellphones on the subway? Ask Bell, Rogers or Telus

Toronto’s public transit has been wired for cellphone service for years, but the Big Three haven’t signed on.

www.thestar.com

14

19

93

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Some of his statements on Trudeau’s record didn’t quite pass the truth test: he made a couple of unsubstantiated accusations of Liberal “cover-ups,” mischaracterized policies like the child care agreements, and falsely said Trudeau reduced penalties for firearm offences.

5

26

84

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

The most interesting story this week was the 13 stretches. Among them, the several times Singh took credit for pandemic aid measures. The stretches also came from statements that were rooted in ideological, quintessentially NDP beliefs. I get into that more in my analysis.

2

19

74

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

81% of workers rejected Metrolinx's latest deal, the union said. ATU Local 1587 members include GO bus drivers, station attendants, maintenance workers, transit safety officers and office personnel. They have been without a contract since June.

1

16

73

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

5 months

At Eglinton Station this morning where @Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster is giving reporters a project update. Any bets on whether or not we’ll get an opening date today? 👀 @TorontoStar

38

13

82

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance and medical transport service, transported a record 327 patients in the first two weeks of April to create space in ICUs. As GTA hospitals fill up, patients are being transferred as far as Kingston. My latest in @TorontoStar

‘These patients are super sick’: Hundreds of COVID-19 patients transferred to other hospitals to...

The vast majority of COVID-19 transfer patients are sent from overburdened hospitals in the GTA, and while most people are transferred to hospitals nearby, as ICUs fill up more and more are being...

www.thestar.com

4

41

75

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Breaking: Kartik Saini, a 20-year-old international student from India, was the cyclist who was struck and killed by a pickup truck driver making an apparent illegal right turn on at Yonge/St Clair Wednesday, his family told @TorontoStar

‘Our family is shattered’: Relatives mourn death of Sheridan College student at dangerous Toronto...

Kartik Saini, 20, died after being struck and dragged by a pickup at St. Clair Avenue and Yonge Street on Wednesday afternoon.

www.thestar.com

2

29

77

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

In a press release, ATU Local 1587 said "Metrolinx continues to refuse to address safety concerns by ensuring that experienced and highly trained workers remain on the job, and continues to refuse to budge on language that would protect GO Transit jobs from being contracted out."

0

16

68

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Overall, Paul was honest. Her numbers and claims — related to Canada’s climate record, the toll of COVID-19 in long-term care, and the scope of the opioid crisis — largely checked out. As I move to fact check other leader's, I'll use our dishonesty density index to compare.

4

7

72

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

4 years

I dug into the recent spike in overdoses for @walrusmagazine . I asked drug users what it's like to watch the gov't pour mass resources into COVID-19 while the opioid crisis is largely ignored: “We’re fighting an uphill battle just to be seen as humans."

The Pandemic Is Intensifying the Opioid Crisis | The Walrus

Public health measures meant to contain COVID-19 have caused a spike in overdose-related deaths

thewalrus.ca

2

33

74

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

If New York's experience means anything, this doesn't exactly inspire faith in Toronto's plan to solve transit crime with more police.

NYC Subway Crime Jumps 30%, Defying Surge in Police Patrols

New York City’s subway crime rose by 30% in 2022 from a year ago, outpacing the 22% jump in major crimes across the city during the same period, according to police data released this week.

www.bloomberg.com

3

29

77

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

Under an alias, @TorontoStar was prescribed ivermectin through a new service called Canadian Covid Telehealth, run by doctors involved with an organization that spreads misinformation on COVID treatments and vaccines.

A covert network of Canadian doctors is prescribing ivermectin to treat COVID. Here’s how we got...

Science and medicine dismiss the drug as a COVID treatment. But for the misguided or desperate, there are those in Canada willing to supply it.

www.thestar.com

11

41

71

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Today the @TorontoStar launches a series called Cold Truths, which features three stories I wrote based on a week of on-the-ground reporting in Svalbard, Norway — the fastest warming place on earth. For perspective, it’s all the way up here!

5

36

69

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

In both cases, Metrolinx staff pushed back. On the issue of excluding the MPPs, Mx said it's customary to notify all local officials. On the # of trees, an Mx staffer said it's important for "transparency." The province overrode Mx on both points.

0

20

72

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Nia was 11 when she was first told that her race was a barrier to fulfilling her dreams as a ballerina. Her experience with racism in dance inspired her to start Révolutionnaire in 2019, a social platform and store selling diverse dancewear. @TorontoStar

4

18

60

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Communications staff at the ministry also asked Metrolinx to remove from construction notices the estimated number of trees that will be taken down, at the request of Ford’s office.

1

23

68

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

Ending the year on a positive note - a heartwarming end to story about 74-yr-old asylum seeker facing deportation, first reported by @nkeung @TorontoStar

Asylum seeker who’s been in Canada for 21 years granted permission to stay

Samuel Ndesanjo Nyaga, 74, a pillar of Toronto’s Kenyan community, was set to be deported next week.

www.thestar.com

6

16

61

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

It’s been a difficult year for grocery workers. For Tracey and Dino Virgona, sibling owners of @FiestaFarms , it’s been nothing short of exhausting — but it’s also been pretty beautiful. For @torontostar , I spoke to them about the ups and the downs.

‘I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in my entire life’: At Fiesta Farms, COVID-19 has given the...

COVID-19 has transformed the grocery industry. Stores have faced surging demand, changing health protocols and high customer anxiety. For independent grocer Fiesta Farms, it’s also been a chance to...

www.thestar.com

6

17

57

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

The TL;DR of my ⁦ @TorontoStar ⁩ piece: Vaccines work. They save lives. Get one as you can — it may be the difference between a mild case and a severe one. But beating COVID is a team sport, and we won’t win until we’ve all crossed the finish line.

She got vaccinated. Then she got COVID-19. Why rare ‘breakthrough’ infections mean the pandemic...

Breakthrough cases can happen, but they don’t mean the jabs aren’t working — vaccines are still “keeping people out of hospital and preventing them from dying,” experts say.

www.thestar.com

3

12

58

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Yesterday, @SteveRussell and I got to ride on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and speak to the CEO of one of the companies building it. Here's an exclusive first look inside the LRT, and what I learned about what's causing the delays. @TorontoStar

‘This is the kind of project that threatens companies.’ An exclusive first look inside the Eglinton...

‘We really do get how frustrated everybody is with this thing’: Days after the consortium building the LRT sued the provincial agencies in charge, the Star is given an exclusive tour of the fraught...

www.thestar.com

5

16

65

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

In five days, Ford only spoke for 25 minutes in a public forum where he could be questioned by journalists. Because of how little he spoke — and how little of substance he said when he did speak — this exercise didn’t say much about his truthfulness.

I fact checked everything PC Leader Doug Ford said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths in the lead-up to the provincial election.

www.thestar.com

9

27

63

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Joining the @TorontoStar politics team for the next bit to fact check Canada’s federal leaders during the 2021 election campaign. Send tips/advice to lexharvey @thestar .com #elxn44

Toronto Star

@TorontoStar

3 years

Are they telling the truth? The Star launches federal election fact check as federal leaders hit the campaign trail.

40

24

71

9

11

54

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Will ending for-profit long term care actually be less costly? It’s not so simple. My #FactCheck on @theJagmeetSingh #Elxn44

Jagmeet Singh says ending for-profit long-term care will be ‘less costly.’ Why it’s not necessarily...

While costs can mean more than just money — the Star has reported on the disproportionate death toll in for-profit homes throughout the pandemic — it’s not true to say for-profit homes put a bigger...

www.thestar.com

14

29

53

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

In March 2003, a Toronto woman went to her doctor with fever and a dry cough after a trip to Hong Kong. She didn’t have COVID-19— she had SARS, a respiratory illness that would go on to infect hundreds in Canada, mostly in Ontario. @TorontoStar (a thread)

SARS taught us lessons. Then we forgot them

The SARS pandemic of 2003 held lessons for Ontario in preparing for future disasters — but did we listen? From inadequate data systems to insufficient surge capacity, here are the warnings Ontario...

www.thestar.com

5

23

56

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Read my full analysis and fact check of @erinotoole 50+ claims in @TorontoStar :

I fact-checked everything Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the Conservative Party leader? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths.

www.thestar.com

6

22

52

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

A world class journalist and an even better human ❤️ proud of you @adriearsenault

CBC PR

@CBC_Publicity

2 years

Starting Sept 5 @adriearsenault , the first woman to be appointed @CBC chief correspondent, anchors @CBCTheNational Mon to Thurs. “I am fiercely protective of the joys and necessities of good journalism, and this is a huge privilege and responsibility."

49

44

523

2

1

49

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

I’m on a little trip for @TorontoStar this week looking at how other cities and transit systems are dealing with the complex challenges facing the TTC, like rising crime and homelessness, as well as rider wariness. First up: Philly and @SEPTA

4

5

58

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

That Ford sees this as a winning strategy is “alarming” for our democracy, @timabray told me. He called it a slip into “content-free elections,” where leaders avoid substantive policy conversations in favour of vague talking points.

I fact checked everything PC Leader Doug Ford said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths in the lead-up to the provincial election.

www.thestar.com

4

28

49

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

The exasperation in this TTC operator's voice is pretty striking.

6

10

53

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

9 months

@Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster said they will announce an opening date for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT by the end of the summer 👀

7

8

56

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

No line at my local polling station at Dewson Jr Public School in Davenport. Make sure you get out to vote today! #elxn44vote

1

8

44

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

BREAKING: there were 1068 offences against customers on the TTC in 2022, a 60% increase from 2019, when there were 666. There were 735 and 734 in ‘20 and ‘21, respectively.

11

33

51

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

We’re in good shape. Thanks to a successful vaccine rollout and strong public health measures, as Dr. Peter Jüni pointed out, Ontario is the only region in the Western world that hasn’t seen exponential growth in cases once Delta took hold.

The U.K. and the Netherlands are cautionary tales in relaxing COVID-19 restrictions too quickly....

Ontarians can now eat inside and go to movies and sports events amid falling COVID-19 case counts and rising vaccinations. But recent spikes in Europe show the dangers of reopening too quickly....

www.thestar.com

11

22

48

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

Pictured on a beach in Maine — this guy wins WFH…

3

5

47

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Joined @mattgallowaycbc on @TheCurrentCBC this morning to discuss the rise in violence on the TTC. Tune in at 8:30!

5

0

51

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

This @_jennamoon piece on "the world's loneliest orca" is gripping and disturbing (and a very cool digital experience). Commentary from Marineland's lawyer is icing on the cake 🙃

0

15

42

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

Ukrainian children with cancer being brought to SickKids in Toronto via @rachelmendleson @TorontoStar

‘This is a first step’: Two Ukrainian children with cancer are being brought to SickKids in...

‘We want to get these people here, get them into care. And once we do that, we can bring more’

www.thestar.com

4

22

45

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

7 months

@Metrolinx will give an update on the Eglinton Crosstown LRT tomorrow at 1pm.

7

9

47

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

With recent violence on the TTC prompting calls to address homelessness on the system (despite no data to suggest homeless ppl are perpetrating the violence), @_VictoriaGibson & I looked at why people shelter on transit, and how they're feeling:

Those sheltering in the transit system worry about their safety amid the recent spate of TTC...

With few shelter options available, homeless people are turning to subway stations, trains, buses and streetcars.

www.thestar.com

6

30

46

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

BREAKING: Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the consortium building the Eglinton LRT, has informed Metrolinx that “they intend to litigate and stop working with the TTC, who will operate the (LRT).” Metrolinx calls the move “another unacceptable delay tactic” by CTS. @TorontoStar

8

23

46

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

I fact checked everything @StevenDelDuca said this week for @TorontoStar . I found 5 false claims and 5 stretches in 121 mins of filmed public appearances, working out to a "dishonesty density" of about 1 false claim/24 mins. Full analysis here: #onpoli

I fact checked everything Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths in the lead-up to the provincial election.

www.thestar.com

10

24

44

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

This was a big project that required lots of effort from many talented people at @TorontoStar : editors @EdTubb & @JordanHimelfarb , digital designer @NathanPilla , and @jesse_mclean @starbeer @aballinga who helped with reporting. A big thanks to the experts who shared insights.

7

2

44

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

I’m back on the @TorontoStar fact checking beat for the #OnElxn I’ll be focusing on one leader per week, recording every claim they make and verifying it, publishing weekly in the Star. Send tips via DM or to lexharvey @thestar .ca #onpoli #FactCheck

Who’s telling the truth? We’ll be listening to the leaders during Ontario’s 2022 election campaign

As the Ontario election campaign kicks off this week, it’s time to ask the honesty question again, but this time of our provincial leaders.

www.thestar.com

6

21

44

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

2 years

I fact-checked everything @AndreaHorwath said this week. I found 11 false claims in 130 speaking mins, a dishonesty density of about 1 false claim/12 mins — twice the scores of Del Duca & Schreiner when I checked them. This week I fact check @fordnation .

I fact checked everything NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said for a week. Here’s what I found

How factual is the leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party? The Star is documenting false claims and stretched truths in the lead-up to the provincial election.

www.thestar.com

8

32

42

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Speaking at the Empire Club yesterday, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster said there's still no timeline on opening the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. "I will not declare a date for it to open in advance until I have a robust schedule that I believe in.”

12

29

42

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

COVID-19 has caused a dramatic spike in overdoses across the country. Border restrictions have disrupted the flow of illicit drugs, further contaminating an already dangerous drug supply. In B.C., opioid deaths outpace COVID deaths.

She’s lost two brothers to opioids. Amid record deaths, she and others are pleading for change

After 2020’s staggering death toll from opioid abuse, reformers wish government were ‘listening to people who use.’

www.thestar.com

3

19

42

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

Crime has risen on the TTC since 2020, despite plunging ridership. I took a look at some of root causes driving the violence, and importantly, what it means for the system if people are too afraid to ride. @TorontoStar

As ridership plummets, the TTC faces another problem: violent crime

There has been an alarming rise in violence on public transit, and it’s an issue that won’t just be solved by more policing, warn experts.

www.thestar.com

10

15

44

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

NEW: NDP MPPs @Peter_Tabuns & @kristynwongtam accused @C_Mulroney of weakening public trust in Metrolinx after the Star revealed her office directed @Metrolinx to exclude the politicians from a notice about tree removals in their ridings.

NDP MPPs left out of Ontario Line tree removal notices demand explanation from Ford government

Interference from Doug Ford administration weakens trust in public transit projects, says letter from NDP MPPs.

www.thestar.com

1

20

45

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

I asked Vina if Michael shared when he knew he was being taken home and how that moment felt. She said they haven’t discussed yet, in their first FaceTime they focused on how he was feeling and “saying all the things one says after not seeing each other for more than 1000 days.”

2

4

39

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

Are Canadian oil producers environmental ‘leaders?’ My fact check on ⁦ @erinotoole ⁩ ⁦ @TorontoStar ⁩

Are Canadian oil producers environmental ‘leaders?’ Unpacking Erin O’Toole’s iffy claim

Because of the vagueness of the Conservative leader’s claim, I won’t classify the statement as false — but referring to Canada’s oil sector as an environmental leader ignores the reality that our oil...

www.thestar.com

10

22

39

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

NEW: The TTC will resume ticketing for fare evasion in March in the hopes of boosting its revenue by $6M. The agency says it's necessary for cashflow amid dwindling ridership - but advocates warn of equity implications and the need to prioritize service.

TTC restarts crackdown on fare evasion to help shore up finances

Fare inspectors stopped ticketing during the pandemic, but the transit agency estimated restarting it could bring in about $6 million a year.

www.thestar.com

24

17

42

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

3 years

CALL OUT: I'm working on a @TorontoStar story about people supporting frontline workers, i.e. by caring for their kids, cooking food, volunteering at vaccine clinics. Do you know a pandemic helper doing something great in your community? DM or email me at lexharvey @thestar .ca

0

29

41

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

10 months

0

8

41

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

With many in Toronto calling for solutions to violence on the TTC, thought I'd re-up my @TorontoStar story on what Philadelphia's SEPTA is doing. It's not perfect, but SEPTA's approach is one of the most comprehensive & compassionate I've seen.

Crime is up, ridership is down. Has this U.S. city’s public transit found a better way?

Instead of just ramping up policing, Philadelphia has taken a more humane approach to its transit problems.

www.thestar.com

1

21

43

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

#BREAKING : The driver who killed 20-year-old cyclist Kartik Saini has been charged with "careless driving causing death", "turn not in safety", and "proceed contrary to sign," per Toronto police. He will appear in court Feb 16.

‘Our family is shattered’: Relatives mourn death of Sheridan College student at dangerous Toronto...

Kartik Saini, 20, died after being struck and dragged by a pickup at St. Clair Avenue and Yonge Street on Wednesday afternoon.

www.thestar.com

6

14

36

Lex Harvey

@lexharvs

1 year

I've never been nominated for anything before, so two for this piece is really friggin exciting. @mckennadeighton & @NathanPilla deserve so much credit for this - their interactive maps and graphics really brought this piece to life and made the science make sense.