By Canadian Press

Misinformation can distort national debates on important issues, chief justice warns

Jun 21, 2023 | 10:46 AM

OTTAWA — Canada’s chief justice is warning that the global rise in misinformation threatens national institutions and processes that underpin democracy.

The Supreme Court’s Richard Wagner said in a speech today that people around the world have increasingly polarized ideas about what can be considered true.

Wagner told a conference organized by the Canadian Bar Association that exposure to misinformation can increase political cynicism, change voting patterns and distort national debates on important issues.

He noted that in Canada, researchers say misinformation may threaten the health and safety of the public, as well as the legitimacy of democratic processes.

Wagner said a strong democracy relies on Canadians having access to diverse and reliable sources of information so they can form opinions and participate in public debates in a productive way.

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He pointed out, however, that fewer journalists are covering the courts across Canada as media resources dwindle.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2023.

The Canadian Press