LEFT BIAS
These media sources are moderately to strongly biased toward liberal causes through story selection and/or political affiliation. They may utilize strong loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by using appeal to emotion or stereotypes), publish misleading reports and omit reporting of information that may damage liberal causes. Some sources in this category may be untrustworthy. See all Left Bias sources.
- Overall, we rate The Maple as Left-Biased due to its strong promotion of progressive and socialist ideals and as Mostly factual in reporting rather than High due to consistent one-sided reporting that may leave out important context.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT (-7.0)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.1)
Country: Canada
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: EXCELLENT
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Founded in 2017 as North99, The Maple (formerly ReadPassage) is a Canadian-based media outlet founded in 2019. The site presents itself as an independent media organization focused on providing thoughtful, in-depth content that challenges the mainstream media narrative. In April 2023, ReadPassage merged with The Maple to form a single independent media organization named The Maple. The platform publishes articles on politics, economics, environmental policies, indigenous rights, and Canadian and international issues.
Read our profile on Canadian Media and Government.
Funded by / Ownership
The Maple is entirely reader-funded and operates as a nonprofit organization. It does not have an individual or corporate owner. The platform is supported through memberships and donations from its readers.
Analysis / Bias
The Maple frequently features pieces that align with progressive principles such as wealth redistribution, climate justice, systemic injustice, and Indigenous rights. Articles like “Soldiers Aren’t Victims, And They Deserve Contempt” by Davide Mastracci critique the military, arguing that joining the army is inexcusable, regardless of personal or economic reasons. Mastracci asserts that soldiers, like police officers, enforce systemic oppression and uphold Western domination, making them complicit in violence. He dismisses arguments based on racial representation or financial necessity as weak defenses for participating in imperialist institutions.
The article also critiques other publications for perceived hypocrisy in addressing militarism. Mastracci argues that outlets like Ricochet Media (Right) and Xtra Magazine (Left) often criticize police but are softer on the military, sometimes presenting it more favorably. This reflects Maple’s strong anti-militarist stance and broader progressive ideology questioning state power and systemic injustice.
Regarding sourcing, Mastracci uses Statistics Canada for demographic data and cites reports from Ricochet Media, Xtra Magazine, Vice, Toronto Star, and CBC News to highlight the perceived leniency of progressive media toward the military. He also references Canadian government budget reports to emphasize the large military budget compared to policing. Additionally, data from Canada’s Department of National Defence and the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics are used to challenge the notion that military service is uniquely dangerous, noting that military personnel have lower mortality rates than the general population. Overall, Mastracci backs his critique of the military with a combination of government reports, academic journals, and progressive media sources like Ricochet, Xtra, and Vice.
In addition to its focus on systemic issues, The Maple covers topics related to political activism, as seen in the article “The City of Montreal Illegally Seized Pro-Palestine Signs, Activists Allege.” This piece critiques the city’s alleged suppression of free speech by seizing pro-Palestinian protest signs. It highlights how government actions can suppress marginalized voices, aligning with The Maple’s broader critique of state power and support for activist movements. The article cites Canadian Jewish News (CJN). This coverage further reflects the publication’s progressive stance, particularly in defending the rights of protestors and opposing government overreach in limiting expression.
Failed Fact Checks
- North99 has failed fact-checks in the past, but there is no record of The Maple failing fact-checks.
Overall, we rate The Maple as Left-Biased due to its strong promotion of progressive and socialist ideals and as Mostly factual in reporting rather than High due to consistent one-sided reporting that may leave out important context. (M. Huitsing 10/21/2024) Updated (02/16/2025)
Source: https://www.readthemaple.com/
Last Updated on February 16, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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