Diagnosing and Combatting Health Misinformation: CMA to Launch 2026 Health and Media Tracking Survey

In an era where digital information flows freely across borders, Canadians find themselves increasingly vulnerable to health misinformation that can spread instantaneously through online channels. Recognizing this growing threat, the Empire Club of Canada is partnering with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) to address the impact of medical misinformation on public health and policy.

The organizations will host “Diagnosing and Combatting Health Misinformation: 2026 CMA Health & Media Tracking Survey Launch” on February 10, 2026, marking the Empire Club’s first event in Ottawa. The forum will offer simultaneous French translation to ensure accessibility for all participants across Canada’s bilingual landscape.

The proliferation of health misinformation has created dual challenges for Canada’s healthcare system. On one hand, individual citizens seeking health information online may encounter unverified or deliberately false content. On the other, government officials face increasing difficulty distinguishing reliable health policy data from misleading information, even when it comes from traditional allies.

This vulnerability stems partly from Canada’s heavy reliance on digital platforms dominated by American technology companies. The combination of opaque artificial intelligence algorithms driving search results and the lingering effects of state-sponsored health disinformation campaigns from the Trump era has created a perfect storm for medical misinformation to flourish.

David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, will headline the event with an exclusive presentation of the 2026 CMA Health & Media Tracking Survey. This comprehensive research initiative aims to quantify the impact of misinformation on Canadians’ health behaviors and their trust in medical institutions.

Following Coletto’s presentation, attendees will hear from Dr. Tom Frieden, who brings substantial public health expertise as the former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Frieden now leads Resolve to Save Lives, a global health organization focused on accelerating action against major health threats worldwide. His international perspective will provide valuable context on how other nations are addressing similar challenges.

The event will feature an expert panel discussion focused on practical solutions to protect Canadians from health misinformation. Panelists include Dr. Jen Gunter, an obstetrician-gynecologist who has gained prominence for her evidence-based approach to debunking health myths, and Vass Bednar, a policy expert known for her work on the intersection of technology and public policy. Additional speakers will be announced as the event approaches.

Health misinformation represents a particularly challenging problem for Canada’s healthcare system, which relies heavily on public trust and cohesion to function effectively. When citizens receive contradictory information about treatments, preventative measures, or public health initiatives, it can undermine confidence in the entire healthcare apparatus.

The timing of this event reflects growing concern among medical professionals and policy experts about the resilience of Canada’s information ecosystem. As digital platforms continue to evolve and artificial intelligence plays an increasingly significant role in curating online content, the potential for manipulation by “bad actors” targeting health information has become a national security concern.

The Empire Club of Canada’s decision to hold this inaugural Ottawa event on health misinformation signals the organization’s recognition that this issue transcends traditional political divisions and requires coordinated action across public and private sectors.

For healthcare providers, policy makers, media representatives, and concerned citizens, this forum represents an opportunity to engage with leading experts on developing strategies to combat health misinformation while preserving the free flow of legitimate medical information.

Tickets for this landmark event are currently available through the Empire Club of Canada’s website, with options for both in-person and virtual attendance to accommodate participants from across the country.