Poilievre’s ‘adversarial’ media strategy ‘concerning’ for democracy, but unlikely to change as long as it keeps working: Hill observers
New Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s strategy to avoid taking questions from traditional media and make adversaries out of legacy media journalists makes him “impervious” to questions, which is “corrosive” and “concerning” for democracy, observers say. Poilievre (Carleton, Ont.) has been sparring with some members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery both during his leadership run and […]
Disinformation has a long history in Canada
OTTAWA—A recent Ekos survey of Canadians found a disturbing relation between the amount of disinformation an individual agrees with, and the level of support for the “Freedom Convoy.” Rest assured this author views even the name of the convoy one of the most insidious and effective uses of propaganda in recent years. On the surface, […]
Winnipeg Free Press’ Dylan Robertson, CBC’s David Fraser to join The Canadian Press
After half a decade at the Winnipeg Free Press, Ottawa bureau chief Dylan Robertson will be making the move to The Canadian Press. He’ll be tasked with covering international affairs, trade and development. “As we say in this biz, I have ‘some personal news to share,’ tweeted Robertson on Aug. 22. “My last day with […]
We can’t become desensitized to hate, harassment, and threats
With new threats being sent to women and racialized journalists with increasing frequency, it’s easy to scroll past. The news cycle moves on, but the harassment, hatred, and threats of violence against our journalistic colleagues continues. Meanwhile, the rhetoric coming from those who wish to target journalists for doing their jobs becomes more brazen. “Boys, […]
‘Prevailing sense that toxicity is continuing to rise,’ as report finds one in six tweets analyzed during 2021 federal election ‘likely to be toxic’
An analysis of over two-and-a-half million tweets over 36 days during the 2021 federal election campaign by the Samara Centre for Democracy found that over 475,000—or one in six—were identified as “likely toxic,” meaning they likely contained sexually explicit content, profanity, identity attacks, threats, and insults. Amid an increasing trend in toxic exchanges, threats, and […]
If Lisa LaFlamme is not safe in her career, no woman is safe
And just like that, she’s gone? A business decision is being used as a cover for ageism and sexism. Why did Bell Media think Lisa LaFlamme would go quietly? LaFlamme has been an integral part of Canadian journalism for the past 35 years. Her career spans decades, and as she mentioned in her heartfelt and […]
Co-ordinated, vitriolic online attacks against female journalists prompt police reports, calls for action from media organizations
An uptick in hateful, racist, and sexist vitriol directed at female journalists in recent weeks has prompted a trio of news organizations to co-sign a letter addressed to police and federal ministers calling for greater co-ordination, regular updates, and a formal role for media to file complaints on behalf of or with journalists who have […]
CTV’s McGregor gets into shoving match after cameraman pushed by Lich supporters outside Ottawa courthouse
In his ongoing coverage of the ‘Freedom Convoy’ and the fallout from the event that dominated life in downtown Ottawa back in February, CTV National News reporter Glen McGregor got into a shoving match with one of the supporters of ‘Freedom Convoy’ organizer Tamara Lich outside the Ottawa courthouse on July 26, following Lich’s release on […]
From robocalls to a robust regime, elections commissioner Côté reflects on a decade of decisions
After 10 years as commissioner of Canada elections, Yves Côté is leaving behind a bigger office with more teeth—one he says will have to grapple with the growing and nebulous threats of foreign interference and disinformation in Canadian elections. “The biggest things that we have now that we didn’t have before would be things linked […]
Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover and lessons for the law
Elon Musk has many talents, but it becomes increasingly clear that law is not one of them. Law is not rocket science, but while Musk seems proficient at the latter, the former is, if not a difficulty, at least a considerable nuisance, not worthy of his time and patience. During his many years as an […]
