By Greg Duncan
In an era where information is abundant yet often unreliable, navigating the “disinformation highway” has become a critical skill. The rise of social media, partisan news outlets, and foreign interference has blurred the lines between fact and fiction, leaving Canadians—especially those in Quebec—wondering: Who do we trust? Is fake news real news? And how do we safeguard democracy from the corrosive effects of misinformation?
The anatomy of disinformation
Disinformation is false information deliberately spread to mislead. Unlike misinformation, which is incorrect but not necessarily intentional, disinformation is crafted with a purpose—whether political, financial, or ideological. It thrives on emotional manipulation, exploiting fears, biases, and societal divisions.
In Canada, disinformation has been identified as a major threat to democracy. A recent public inquiry into foreign interference found that misinformation and disinformation pose the “single biggest risk” to democratic institutions. The inquiry highlighted how foreign actors, including China and Russia, have used social media to spread misleading narratives, particularly during elections.
The Canadian context: Who’s spreading disinformation?
Disinformation in Canada comes from multiple sources:
- Foreign Influence – Countries like Russia and China have been accused of using online platforms to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
- Partisan media – Some news outlets blur the line between journalism and propaganda, pushing narratives that serve political or corporate interests.
- Social media algorithms – Platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) prioritize engagement over accuracy, amplifying sensationalized or misleading content.
- Grassroots conspiracy movements – Anti-vaccine groups, climate change deniers, and other fringe movements spread misinformation that can have real-world consequences.
In Quebec, disinformation has taken unique forms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, French and English-language misinformation was rampant, with conspiracy theories about vaccines and government control spreading widely. Additionally, Quebec’s distinct political landscape—marked by debates over sovereignty and language rights—has made it a fertile ground for misinformation that plays on identity politics.
Spotting fake news: A survival guide
So, how do we separate fact from fiction? Here are some essential strategies:
- Check the source
Not all news outlets are created equal. Government websites, reputable newspapers (like Le Devoir or The Globe and Mail), and established fact-checking organizations (AFP Fact Check, Snopes) are more reliable than anonymous blogs or social media posts.
- Look for emotional manipulation
Disinformation often provokes strong emotional reactions—fear, anger, outrage. If a headline makes you feel an intense emotion, pause, and verify before sharing.
- Verify with multiple sources
If a story is only reported by one outlet, be skeptical. Cross-check with multiple reputable sources to ensure accuracy.
- Use fact-checking tools
Canada has several fact-checking resources, including MediaSmarts and AFP Fact Check. These tools help debunk viral misinformation.
- Beware of clickbait
Sensational headlines designed to entice clicks often distort facts. If a headline seems exaggerated, read beyond it.
- Reverse image search
Images can be manipulated or taken out of context. A reverse image search can reveal whether a photo has been altered or used misleadingly.
The role of government and media
The Canadian government has taken steps to combat disinformation. Initiatives like the Online Disinformation Campaign aim to educate citizens on spotting fake news. However, critics argue that more regulation is needed to hold social media platforms accountable.
Meanwhile, journalists play a crucial role in upholding truth. Investigative reporting—such as CBC’s exposés on foreign interference—helps counter false narratives. But media literacy among citizens is equally important. Without critical thinking, even the best journalism can be drowned out by misinformation.
The future: AI and disinformation
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the disinformation landscape. AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated videos, and synthetic news articles make it harder than ever to distinguish reality from fiction. As AI tools become more sophisticated, Canadians must adapt their skepticism and rely on trusted sources.
Conclusion: Trust, but verify
In the battle against disinformation, skepticism is a virtue—but cynicism is a trap. While it’s tempting to distrust all media, blanket skepticism can lead to disengagement, which is precisely what disinformation campaigns aim for. Instead, Canadians must cultivate critical thinking, cross-check sources, and demand accountability from media and tech companies.
So, is fake news real news? No—but it’s real enough to shape elections, influence public health, and erode democracy. The only antidote is an informed, vigilant public willing to question, verify, and think critically.
What do you think? Have you encountered disinformation in your daily life? Let’s keep the conversation going, send a note, a comment or a letter to our editor at mmccully@sherbrookerecord.com.
Here are good resources to help you navigate the disinformation highway:
Detecting and reporting disinformation – Canada.ca
Online disinformation – Canada.ca
An existential threat: Disinformation ‘single biggest risk’ to Canadian democracy – DFRLab
