Category: Media Appearances

I was interviewed by XTRA! about the home school movement in Canada, and its links to Christian Nationalism and the “Groomer” moral panic. Is this a new frontier for attacking the educational system in Canada? Christian nationalists in Canada have been pushing to remove children from schools in response to sex education and SOGI in schools. The fear of indoctrination of students, often preyed upon by populist politicians globally, is also building in nationalistic movements using tropes of religious persecution and fear mongering.

Professor Timothy Caulfield and myself answered calls from across Canada about conspiracy theories, moral panics, and dis/misinformation on CBC National Radio’s Just Asking. It was a great conversation!

Myself and other scholars spoke to Christopher Cheung at the Tyee, about the populist messages and dog whistles in Pierre Poilievre’s social media posts. Many of the posts are videos that while seemingly banal, actually speak to those on the far-right, and those who are conspiracy driven. The mediate racism included by his followers in their responses to the posts, are primarily ignored.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been making appeals to Christians across Canada, and this is not a new approach in the conservative realm in Canada. Yet, there are those Christians who are not as welcoming to his approach to the ethnic churches and communities. I spoke with The Tyee about Christianity, politics, and Christian Nationalism and it’s influence in Canada.

I had the opportunity to discuss politicians’ responses when confronted with questions about conspiracy theories. In the discussion with the Blue Sky talk show on CBC Saskatchewan about conspiracies, why they take hold, the swing to right wing governments, and the implications to marginalized communities when politicians entertain conspiracies as a political platform.

Pastor Artur Pawlowski is the keynote speaker at a Prayer Breakfast in Ohio and people are questioning if this is good for the community. A reporter contacted me to find out more about this Canadian Pastor and his link to a transnational Christian Nationalism movement in North America.

Through a forfeiture sale the Canadian government is selling copies of Alex Jones’ book on the Great Reset. David Fraser from the CBC news spoke to me about this sale and my thoughts about it. I honestly, found it odd considering the Prime Minister is the crux of the Great Reset conspiracy for many Canadian conspiracists, but there are also issues of censorship if the government had chosen not to sell the items.

This week I was interviewed by the CBC to discuss the topic of violence in American elections. The rhetoric and name calling is causing some people to threat or swatting nominees or elected officials. This divide in the political realm is affecting the safety of nominees, politicians, and those who engage in civics in the nation.

After releasing a video of himself calling the Press line of the Prime Minister’s to inform Justin Trudeau that he was coming to Canada to “liberate” the country, Tucker Carlson shared a stage with Jordan Peterson and Premier Danielle Smith. Smith was questioned about her being on stage with a media personality who is known for his conspiracy theories, and toxic language and tonight I discussed this with CP24. The power of influencers, both domestic and foreign in the populist rhetoric is a powerful mobilizer when fear is at the base.

Canadian far-right groups have adopted the use of liability forms, from the realm of Sovereign Citizens, in their continuing battle against SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) inclusion in schools. In this interview with Xtra myself and other scholar discuss the sovereign citizen movement, and Canada4Action.