Senate report warns Russia targets Canada with disinformation to undermine democracies

The Canadian Senate's national security committee found Russia deliberately disseminates false information to Western audiences, including Canadians, to support its geopolitical goals and justify its war in Ukraine. The campaigns erode public trust and weaken Western responses, linked to declining support for Ukraine. Canada lacks a strategic plan to combat these disinformation threats, unlike Finland and Ukraine, which have centralized efforts to counter Russian influence. The report recommends enhanced media literacy, collaborative efforts across governments and civil societies, and inclusion of counter-disinformation strategies in Canada's National Security Policy. Senator Stan Kutcher describes this as a crucial national security challenge requiring urgent attention.