This week I spoke with Agence France Presse about the disinformation campaign against Prime Minister Mark Carney, in the 2025 Federal election. This includes images of Carney with Jeffery Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Using a known conspiracy theory to link the new Liberal leader, adds to the distrust inherent in conspiracy theories, but also builds on a story well known in the conspiracy milieu. The piece is also available in French.
Pierre Poilievre and his Base
I was interviewed by Jillian Kestler-D’Amours for Al Jazeera for a piece on Pierre Poilievre. I spoke about his base who came from the Convoys, his use of “trigger” phrases and words for conspiracy theorists, and his appeal to young men who envision themselves as victims to “woke”
Tradwives and Extremism
This evening I was one of the experts on TVO’s Big If True, discussing the extremism and conspiracy theories that some Tradwives speak online. It was a great conversation, one that is incredibly important.
Shifting Understandings of the Canadian Flag
I had the opportunity to discuss the changing optics and emotions tied to the Canadian flag with Christopher Cheung at The Tyee. The conversation is an important one, as Canadians grapple with the threats from the United States of annexation, and as we look at our history with the Residential Schools, and our Indigenous communities, as well as the “patriot” “freedom convoys.”
The flag has been both symbolic of a kind polite nation and one that caused such incredibly harm during colonization. The use of the flag for the Convoy movement tarnished the people’s understanding of the flag, many too embarrassed to be associated with the flag. Now as Trump threatens the nation there is a pride of “elbows up” and a unity under the waving red and white maple leaf.
CaptiveDreamer and Canadian Extremism
This week I spoke to The Tyee about the Christian white nationalist, CaptiveDreamer who is followed (and reposted) by Elon Musk on X. The poster is a Canadian Citizen from British Columbia. In the interview I spoke about the growing Christian nationalism amongst young men in Canada, and the powerful influence of the Great Replacement in anti-immigration and hate ideology.
Canadian Flag in Ottawa – Reclaiming and Trauma
I spoke with CBC Ottawa about reclaiming the Canadian flag in light of the threats from Trump and the United States. Yet, the emotions in Ottawa from the Convoys still remain.
Canadian Flag Trajectory
This morning I spoke to CBC Waterloo about the trajectory of the Canadian flag as a symbol of patriotism. As well as the growing impact of the visual representation of the flag as resistance to the annexation threats of the United States and Donald Trump.
Flag Day and Canadian’s Tumultuous Relationship with our Flag
February 15th is Flag Day in Canada, and it is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our flag and the nation. With the finding of unmarked graves at Residential Schools, many in Canada did not fly our flag while trying to reconcile our past and listening to the voices of Indigenous communities. Then came the so-called Freedom Convoys, where we saw our flag flown upside down, a symbol of distress, and with swastikas painted on the flag. Many refrained from hoisting the Canadian flag to distance themselves from the anger, conspiracy theories, and far right that were the international representation of the Convoys.
With Donald Trump threatening to annex Canada and make us the 51st State, Canadians are patriotically flying our flag in resistance and opposition to the threats from the USA. As relationships with allies globally are being tested Canadians are patriotically standing proud with our flag.
Residential School Denialism in Canada
A couple weeks ago I spoke to a journalist at Al Jazeera about Residential School denialism in Canada. Conspiracy theories and far right groups have linked together to deny the mass graves found, and in some cases have positioned white men as being victimized by the reality of our colonizing past.
Canadian Patriotism, Under Trump
President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods coming into America. Both nations responded with tariffs as well, igniting what could have been a trade war with America’s two biggest trade partners. After negotiation, where Trump got the same deals that were already in place, the tariffs were suspended for 30 days. Trump has consistently said that Canada should be the 51st State, igniting concerns of annexation by the USA. Canadian patriotism in response to the threats and tariffs, have led to a boycott of American products. I spoke with Canadian Press about the patriotism and threat of annexation. This discussion has led to a second interview about the extremists groups I study and their response to the annexation threats.