Every year, The Local conducts a diversity survey among our staff and contributors as part of our ongoing commitment to race, representation, and diversity. In 2025 we sent our survey to 44 contributors and received 33 responses, a 75 percent response rate.
In 2025, 72.7 percent of our respondents identified as non-white. This is higher than the Canadian industry average of 25.1 percent.
In terms of gender representation, 60.6 percent of our contributors identified as female, which is higher than the industry average of 52 percent. 9.1 percent of our contributors identified as non-binary, which is higher than the industry average of 1 percent.
In addition to gender and race, The Local is among a handful of outlets that also collect and report data on contributors who identify as living with a disability, which is 9.1 percent for 2025. As not many outlets report on this data, there is no industry average for comparison.
More from this issue
Gearing Up for October’s Municipal Elections
We are building a civic newsroom unlike any other, with an expanded scope to serve residents of not just Toronto, but also Mississauga and Brampton.
The New Chill Facing Trans Health Care
As anti-trans rhetoric intensifies at home and abroad, the organizations providing training in trans-inclusive healthcare say they’re seeing less uptake from physicians across Ontario.
The Local Wins Six National Awards
Our journalism took home top prizes at the National Magazine Awards and Canadian Association of Journalists Awards.
An Ancient Past Unearthed by Urban Construction
In 2024, an Indigenous burial site was found during construction on Withrow Avenue, near Riverdale Park East. Where others see a “hole” in the ground awaiting investigation, journalist Gabrielle McMann sees a window into Toronto’s complex pre-colonial history—and a deeper sense of belonging.
The Long Last Days of Toronto’s First Safe Consumption Site
Nick says he’ll go back to Manitoulin. Texas can’t even think about the closure. Inside Moss Park in the final days of a nine-year era of safe consumption.
The Local Expands Into Peel
Introducing Prarthana Pathak, our new Peel Reporter
The Local is Nominated For Ten More Journalism Awards
The nominations at the Digital Publishing Awards and National Magazine Awards recognize our journalism in 2025.
When Refugees Can’t Afford the Care They Need
New federal cuts to Canada's refugee health program take effect this week. The people who work with asylum seekers say the consequences could be devastating.
The Local is Nominated for Four Canadian Association of Journalists Awards
The awards recognize our in-depth reporting on everything from school boards to international students to AI to worm harvesting
The New Reality for Toronto’s Crossing Guards
Once a job for local retirees backed by the police, today's crossing guards are poorly paid contract workers employed by private companies. As they confront growing road rage and speeding drivers, their work is more dangerous than ever.