North41 Media

OUR STANDARDS

Policies

How North41 works, and what readers and writers can expect from us.

1. How North41 uses AI →
2. Contributor guidelines →

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POLICY

How North41 uses AI

AI tools are now part of how many writers research and edit. Our commitment is simple: the arguments and analysis on North41 are written by people, and every claim we publish is checked by people.

What we use AI for

• Research assistance. AI tools may help us find sources, summarize long reports or check facts. Every source we cite is opened and read by the writer before it appears in a piece. AI summaries are never cited as sources.
• Editing. We may use AI to check grammar and spelling, tighten sentences, improve clarity and suggest headlines or subtitles. The writer reviews and approves every change.
• Our website and promotion. AI tools help us design and maintain this website, draft social media posts and create graphics such as our logo.

What we do not use AI for

• The main ideas in every piece belong to its writer. AI does not generate our ideas, arguments, conclusions or analysis.
• We never publish quotes, data or sources generated by AI without verifying them against the original.
• We never present AI-generated images as real photographs.
• Nothing is published on North41 without human review.

Accountability

The writer whose name appears on a piece is responsible for every word and every claim in it, however it was researched or edited. If we get something wrong, we correct it and say so.

Disclosure

Using AI for research help or editing is standard practice and is not noted on individual pieces. If AI plays a larger role in a piece, for example in analyzing data or creating an illustration, we will say so in that piece.

Contributors

Contributors follow the same rules: the main ideas must be their own. When submitting a piece, contributors tell the editor how they used AI, if at all. See our contributor guidelines for more.

Changes to this policy

AI tools are changing quickly, and we will review this policy as they do. Questions about it are welcome on our LinkedIn page.

Last updated: October 2026

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WRITE FOR NORTH41

Contributor guidelines

North41 publishes young Canadians writing seriously about the decisions that will shape the country. If you have an argument worth making, we want to hear it.

What we publish

• Analysis: 1,200 to 3,000 words. One clear argument, developed in depth, with a concrete recommendation or conclusion.
• Briefs: 600 to 900 words. A sharp, timely take on something in the news, making one clear point.
• Topics: Defence & Security, Resources & Economy, Science & Tech, Politics and Law. Pieces outside these are welcome if they connect to Canadian policy.

Our standards

• Make one argument. State it early and build the piece around it.
• Back it with evidence. Link every factual claim to its source, ideally the original report, data or document rather than coverage of it.
• Stay non-partisan. North41 aims to be non-partisan. We do not endorse parties or candidates. Argue for or against policies on the evidence, and hold every party to the same standard.
• Be fair. Represent opposing views accurately, even when you disagree with them.
• Write plainly. Short sentences, no jargon without explanation. Write for a smart reader who is not a specialist.
• House style: Canadian spelling (defence, centre, labour), and avoid em dashes.

Use of AI

Contributors follow our AI policy. You may use AI for research help and editing, but the main ideas, argument and analysis must be your own, every source must be checked by you, and you are responsible for every claim. Tell us how you used AI when you submit.

Conflicts of interest

Tell us about any job, funding, membership or relationship connected to your topic. We may note relevant affiliations in your bio. Undisclosed conflicts are grounds for removing a piece.

How to pitch

Send us a pitch of a few sentences through our LinkedIn page. Include:

• Your argument, in one or two sentences.
• Why it matters now.
• A line about who you are and why you are the right person to write it.

We aim to reply within a week. If we are interested, we will agree on length and timing before you write the full piece.

Editing and publishing

• We edit for clarity, accuracy and length, and may ask questions about your sources. You approve the final version before it is published.
• Your piece runs under your name with a short bio and, if you like, a link to your LinkedIn.
• You keep ownership of your work. By publishing with us, you allow North41 to publish, share and promote it. You may republish it elsewhere after it appears on North41, with a link back to the original.

Last updated: October 2026