As disinformation continues to threaten democratic institutions and undermine public trust in Canada, a panel of experts will convene to explore solutions to counter its growing impact. The Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) is hosting “Battle for the Truth: Protecting Canadians from Dis- and Misinformation,” featuring a keynote address and an in-depth discussion on the latest strategies to combat disinformation.
The event will open with a keynote speech by Siim Kumpas, head of the Policy, Strategy and Global Priority Issues Team in the Strategic Communication Division of the European External Action Service. Kumpas will present “Beyond Disinformation: From Problematic Content to Manipulative Behaviour,” offering a European perspective on tackling foreign information manipulation and interference.
Following the keynote, a panel of leading Canadian experts will discuss the implications of disinformation on national security, democracy and public trust. Moderated by BSIA director Ann Fitz-Gerald, the panel will feature Jennifer Irish (Information Integrity Lab, University of Ottawa); Marcus Kolga (DisinfoWatch); and Aengus Bridgman (Media Ecosystem Observatory, University of Montreal). The discussion will highlight the role of technology, policy and education in mitigating the effects of disinformation and foreign interference in Canada.
For the second consecutive year, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report has identified disinformation as the most pressing short-term global risk. With social media platforms scaling back fact-checking efforts and foreign actors leveraging digital platforms to manipulate public discourse, Canada must develop appropriate policy responses.
This event provides a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts on the future of Canada’s information resilience. Attendees will gain insight into the latest strategies and initiatives to mitigate the spread of disinformation and ensure the integrity of public discourse.
