Media Smarts: Fact or Opinion
When you watch, hear, or read something in the media it may be a wee bit difficult to decide if something is fact or opinion.
A fact is a statement (or information) that can be proven to be true or false.
An opinion is an expression of someone’s feelings or beliefs that cannot be proven. Here is the tricky part – opinions can be based on some facts, but also may contain emotions or misinformation, attitudes, judgments, or a deliberate attempt to mislead.
This is an example of a fact: “If there were fewer cars and trucks on the roads, there would be less air pollution.”
This is an opinion: “Do you like breathing in poisonous car exhaust? There are too many cars on the road, and they are polluting the air so we should drive half as much.”
The opinion is not false – but it is an opinion because the writer is saying there is a solution. It is based on some facts, BUT is offering a solution, in the writer’s opinion. There are other solutions – such as, electric cars, tighter emission laws to name two. Also note that the opinion contains emotion. This is often a giveaway that the statement or message is an opinion.
Facts can be reliable. Opinions can be reliable. However, it is helpful to know the difference.
Read these and decide, fact or opinion.
“People who sneeze without covering their mouth are disgusting and do not care for others.”
“Sneezing can spread a virus, so cover your mouth.”
“The annual report for the Gaspé Spec confirms that postage costs have risen.”
“Postage costs are sky-high because of the Postal Workers’ Union who control Canada Post.”
“Many scientists suspect that COVID-19 can be eliminated by 2021.”
“According to scientific studies, COVID-19 may be with us for years.”
(Those sentences are Opinion, Fact, Fact, Opinion, Opinion, Fact.)
Today, have a close look at a few things you read or hear in the media. Examine them and decide if they are fact or opinion. Write a few down and discuss with a friend. This is an important skill to have in understanding what is being presented to you in the media.
Is it fact or an opinion? It is beneficial (and empowering) to know the difference.
Regional update: 16 additional cases reported today
Public Health has announced 16 new cases of COVID-19. Seven of the new cases are in the Bonaventure MRC, two in Rocher-Percé and seven in Côte-de-Gaspé.
Public Health states that the difference between provincial and regional statistics can be explained by the rapidly changing situation and that adjustments will be made over the next few days.
CHSLD in Maria (Residence Saint-Joseph)
The number of cases among residents at Saint-Joseph is 24 (stable). Twenty-two (stable) staff members at the Maria CHSLD (government owed long-term care facility) have tested positive for COVID-19. Nine individuals from the Residence Saint-Joseph have passed away as a result of COVID-19.
That CHSLD houses 91 residents and nearly 130 employees work there.
Lady Maria (RPA – Private Seniors’ Residence) outbreak
Forty one residents (stable), and nine (stable) employees at Lady Maria have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Lady Maria residence is home to 130 individuals and nearly 45 employees work there.
CHSLD New Carlisle
According to the CISSS there is a COVID-19 outbreak at CHSLD in New Carlisle. Eight employees (stable) and ten patients (stable) are affected by this outbreak. All residents and the majority of employees have been screened. For prevention, all residents are in isolation in their rooms, all employees continue to wear personal protective equipment.
This residence houses 66 residents and employs 118 people.
Maria Hospital outbreak
According to the CISSS there is currently a COVID-19 outbreak at Maria Hospital. Nine (stable) employees have tested positive and, so far, no patients are involved in the outbreak.
Gaspé Hospital outbreak
According to the CISSS there is currently a COVID-19 outbreak at Gaspé Hospital. Less than five employees have tested positive and less than five patients are affected by this outbreak.
Chandler Hospital outbreak
According to the CISSS there is currently a COVID-19 outbreak at Chandler Hospital. Less than five employees have tested positive and, so far, no patients are involved in the outbreak.
Updated List – Réné-Levesque School Service Centre
The Réné-Levesque School Service Centre has confirmed Nine (stable) cases. Two classrooms are presently quarantined.
The educational facilities with positives cases are:
- École des Audomarois, Saint-Omer (1 case)
- École des Découvertes, St-Siméon (1 case)
- École aux Quatre-Vents, Bonaventure (1 case) * 1 class
- École Polyvalent, Paspébiac (1 case)
- École La Source, Paspébiac (2 cases)
- École polyvalente Mgr Sévigny, Chandler (2 cases) * 1 class
- École St-Joseph, Chandler (1 case)
Complete portrait
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands is now 822 (+16). Presently, 579 (+20) individuals have recovered. There are 220 (-4) active cases in the region. The total number of deaths is 23. There are currently 13 (+1) individuals hospitalized.
Regional: MRC of Residence
| MRC / living environment | Confirmed cases | Since Sept. 1 | Active Cases | Rate/ 100000 since Sept. 1 |
| Avignon (+0 today) | 344 | 256 | 59 | 400.6 |
| Bonaventure (+7 today) | 235 | 179 | 87 | 498.1 |
| Rocher-Percé (+2 today) | 126 | 92 | 41 | 241.4 |
| Côte-de-Gaspé (+7 today) | 78 | 60 | 29 | 165.6 |
| Haute-Gaspésie (+0 today) | 13 | n.d. | n.d. | n.d. |
| Magdalen Islands | 26 | n.d. | n.d. | n.d. |
| Gaspé Peninsula Magdalen Islands | 822 | 608 | 220 | 244.2 |
Source: Gaspé Peninsula Public Health Board. n.d.: not disclosed when less than 5 for privacy reasons
The Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands region is at Alert Level 3 – Orange, with the exception of the following three municipalities: Maria, Carleton-sur-Mer and Nouvelle, which are at Alert Level 4 – Red.
Please consult previous posts for measures related to each Alert Level.
The totals for the province are as follows:
| Cases | Deaths | Hospitalizations | ICU |
| 100,114 (+879) | 6,143 (*+11) | 551 (+2) | 97 (+4) |
*Five deaths occurred in the last 24 hours, five deaths occurred between October 18 and October 23 and one death occurred at an unknown date.