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Canada’s Foreign Interference Commissioner has identified misinformation and disinformation as the single greatest threat to Canadian democracy today, a challenge that continues to evolve alongside emerging technologies, shifting socio-economic trends, and increasing political polarization.
To address this critical issue, Evidence for Democracy is launching a comprehensive report examining the evolution of misinformation across Canada. The organization will host an expert panel discussion on February 24, 2026, focused on how the rapid spread of false information has undermined public trust and impacted various sectors and communities throughout the country.
The online event aims to equip researchers, policymakers, and engaged citizens with insights and tools necessary to combat misinformation and protect democratic institutions. Running from 12-1pm EST via Zoom, the discussion will bring together leading experts from academia, journalism, and media literacy organizations.
“We’re creating a collaborative space for participants to discuss this pressing issue,” explained an Evidence for Democracy spokesperson. “The conversation will showcase recent trends in misinformation, explore potential impacts on Canadian democracy, and examine the implications of both targeted foreign interference campaigns and AI-driven misinformation.”
The hour-long session will begin with a welcome and introduction, followed by an overview of Evidence for Democracy’s latest research findings presented by their Director of Research and Policy. The majority of the event will feature a moderated panel discussion with four distinguished experts who bring diverse perspectives to the challenge of misinformation.
Dr. Heidi Tworek, Canada Research Chair and Professor of History and Public Policy at the University of British Columbia, will share insights from her extensive research on media, democracy, and international relations. As Director of UBC’s Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions and a Senior Fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, Dr. Tworek frequently advises governments and international organizations on digital policy and democratic resilience.
Joining her will be Valérie Kindarji, Coordinator of the Digital Transparency Centre at UBC and a Doctoral Researcher at the University of Toronto. Kindarji’s research examines how disinformation affects democratic institutions in North America, Scandinavia, and the Baltic states, with particular attention to governmental responses to these threats.
The panel will also feature Jessica Johnson, an independent journalist and Adjunct Professor in Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Toronto. With extensive experience in longform reporting and editorial leadership, Johnson recently completed a two-year research project on public service media as a senior fellow at McGill University’s Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy.
Rounding out the expert panel is Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, who develops educational programs and national campaigns to help Canadians think critically about online information. Johnson brings decades of experience in media education and advocates for equipping both youth and adults with the skills needed to navigate misinformation and build digital resilience.
The event comes at a crucial moment for Canadian democracy. Recent studies suggest that public trust in institutions has been significantly eroded by coordinated disinformation campaigns, some linked to foreign interference efforts. The rise of sophisticated AI-generated content has further complicated the information landscape, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish fact from fiction.
Evidence for Democracy’s report is expected to provide concrete policy recommendations for addressing these challenges, including potential regulatory frameworks, educational initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations designed to rebuild public trust.
The webinar is open to academics, researchers, policymakers, parliamentarians and their staff, students, advocacy groups, and members of the general public interested in protecting Canada’s democratic systems from information manipulation.
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10 Comments
Interesting to see the Foreign Interference Commissioner highlighting misinformation as a top threat to Canadian democracy. Curious to learn more about the proposed solutions.
Yes, the panel discussion should provide useful insights. Equipping citizens with tools to identify and counter false narratives is an important step.
Curious to learn more about the specific strategies and tools that will be discussed to counter misinformation. Protecting democratic institutions is vital.
Given the rise of political polarization, I’m not surprised misinformation is a growing concern. This event could offer valuable perspectives on restoring public trust.
Agreed. Rebuilding trust in institutions and information sources will be crucial. Looking forward to seeing the expert recommendations.
Rebuilding public trust in the face of misinformation is a critical challenge. Strategies to combat this, such as media literacy education, are sorely needed.
Absolutely. Misinformation can have serious impacts on democratic institutions. This event sounds like a valuable opportunity to explore solutions.
Combating the spread of false information is essential for safeguarding democratic processes. This panel discussion could provide important insights and practical solutions.
The misinformation crisis is a global challenge, so it’s good to see Canada taking proactive steps to address it. Strengthening media literacy seems like a sensible approach.
Misinformation has the potential to undermine public trust in key sectors like mining and energy. This event could offer valuable guidance for those industries as well.