In this episode, host Dustyn Lanz is joined by Dr. Aengus Bridgman, one of Canada’s leading experts on misinformation and the politics of digital media. Aengus is Director of the Media Ecosystem Observatory and an Assistant Professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. The conversation delves into the troubling intersection of misinformation, politics, and the rise of deepfake crypto scams during the 2025 Canadian federal elections. Aengus highlights the pervasive use of manipulated images of Canadian politicians in ads across social media platforms, emphasizing the scale of deception and the financial exploitation of voters. He critiques the current state of the information ecosystem, pointing out the failures in platform regulation and governance that allow such practices to thrive.

➡️ Check out ⁠ElectionTipline.ca⁠ for the latest tools & resources on disinformation incidents in the Canadian election.

Takeaways

• The use of manipulated images in political ads is rampant.
• Crypto scams are exploiting Canada’s electoral process.
• There is a significant financial incentive behind misinformation.
• The current information ecosystem is deeply flawed.
• Platform regulation is inadequate to combat misinformation.
• Social media platforms are scaling back data access.
• The governance of online platforms is a mess.
• Voters are being misled by deceptive advertising.
• The impact of misinformation on elections is profound.
• There is a need for better oversight of digital advertising.

In this episode, host Dustyn Lanz engages with Dr. Bessma Momani, Professor of Political Science at the University of Waterloo, to explore the U.S. political landscape and how it arrived at its current position, where policies are absurd and democracy is in danger. They discuss the role of social media and misinformation in shaping public opinion and political outcomes, the rise of alt-right movements, and the importance of diversifying media consumption to combat misinformation and contribute to a healthy democracy. The conversation explores whether Canada is susceptible to the same issues that have derailed the American government and society.

TAKEAWAYS

• The current era is characterized by misinformation and polarization.
• Social media has created echo chambers that amplify extreme views.
• US democracy is facing challenges that may resemble competitive authoritarianism.
• The rise of alt-right movements in Canada is connected to US trends.
• Diversifying media consumption is crucial for informed citizenship.
• The death of expertise is a significant issue in contemporary discourse.
• The US is experiencing a reordering of norms and values.
• Understanding the dynamics of populism is essential for addressing current issues.
• The impact of COVID-19 has accelerated the spread of misinformation.

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In this episode, host Dustyn Lanz speaks with Lucan Way, Distinguished Professor of Democracy at the University of Toronto, to explore the current state of democracy and authoritarianism in the United States. They discuss the definitions of democracy and authoritarianism, the concept of competitive authoritarianism, and the alarming trends observed in U.S. politics. Professor Way asserts that the United States is “unambiguously” a competitive authoritarian state. The conversation also touches on the global landscape of democracy, the importance of supporting professional journalism, and the actions individuals can take to champion democracy. Ultimately, the discussion seeks to find hope amidst the challenges facing democratic institutions.

Key Takeaways:

• Democracy is more than just free & fair elections; it includes civil liberties.
• Complacency can lead to a lack of imagination regarding democracy's fragility.
• Competitive authoritarianism features genuine elections but systematic authoritarian behaviour.
• The U.S. has quickly descended into competitive authoritarianism.
• Supporting independent media is vital for democracy's health.
• Fact-checking and professional journalism are essential for a shared reality.
• Countries like Brazil and Poland have successfully reversed authoritarian trends.
• The anger and energy of the electorate can lead to transformation.
• Democracy in the U.S. is not dead yet; there is still hope for change.

In this episode, Dustyn Lanz engages with Andrea Charron, Professor and Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba. The conversation explores the complexities of the rules-based international order, the disconnect between President Trump's rhetoric and US policy towards Canada, and the evolving role of NATO. They discuss the significance of NORAD in North American defense, the challenges posed by private space initiatives like Starlink, and the current state of Canada's military preparedness. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration across government agencies and the importance of maintaining a stable international order for smaller powers like Canada.➡️ Follow on Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/y73hya4z➡️ Follow on Bluesky: https://tinyurl.com/yju2zyaf➡️ SUBSCRIBE TO MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: https://tinyurl.com/jsks32rd

In this episode of Civil Discourse, host Dustyn Lanz discusses the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, particularly in light of recent backlash in the U.S. and its potential impact on Canada. Joined by Yaya Wang, Vice President of Human Resources at the Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies, they explore the differences in DEI approaches between the two countries, the legal protections available in Canada, and the challenges organizations face in implementing effective DEI programs. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about DEI, the paramount importance of hiring qualified candidates above all, and positive steps individuals can take to support DEI initiatives.

Beyonce quote, cited in this episode:

"If people in powerful positions continue to hire and cast only people who look like them, sound like them, come from the same neighbourhoods they grew up in, they will never have a greater understanding of experiences different from their own."

In this episode, of Civil Discourse, Please, Dustyn Lanz hosts Patrick LeBlond for a discussion of the evolving political landscape in Canada and the United States. Patrick is Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. They explore the implications of the current US administration on Canada, the necessity for a "GIGA strategy" to address the "MAGA threat" as it pertains Canada's economy and security, and the importance of trade diversification and ramping up Canada's national ambition. Patrick emphasizes the need for significant infrastructure investments and civic engagement to empower Canadians in shaping their future amidst global uncertainties.

In this episode of Civil Discourse, Please, host Dustyn Lanz speaks with Dr. Philippe Lagassé to explore the potential implications of U.S. economic aggression towards Canada. Dr. Lagassé is Associate Professor and defence expert at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa. Lagassé discusses three plausible downside scenarios for Canada's future: (1) "divided and conquered," flowing from a potential secessionist movement, (2) the creeping vassalization of Canada, and (3) "decline and exodus" in the case of protracted trade war. The conversation emphasizes the need for civic engagement, adaptation, and national ambition in the face of these challenges, while also highlighting the importance of recognizing the changing dynamics of U.S. influence on Canada.

In this episode, Dustyn Lanz and Lisa Hayles discuss the ongoing backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in corporate America. They explore the implications of this backlash, the importance of DEI for business success, and the role of allyship in making a positive impact. Hayles emphasizes the need for companies to adopt effective DEI policies that benefit all employees and the broader community, while also addressing the current political climate and its impact on DEI efforts. The conversation concludes with a focus on finding hope and optimism amidst challenges, highlighting the importance of youth engagement and the discipline of hope in driving change.

This conversation with University of Regina economics professor Brett Dolter dives into the impacts of U.S. climate policy backtracking on Canada. It also explores the multifaceted impacts of climate change on health, society, and policy, in both Canada and the U.S. It highlights the cognitive and physical dynamics of climate-related issues, the role of misinformation in shaping public perception, and the importance of credible media in fostering informed discourse. The discussion also evaluates Canada's climate policies, the future of carbon pricing, and the collective responsibility of countries in addressing global greenhouse gas emissions. It also touches on climate policy in Saskatchewan. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the need for electrification and proactive engagement from climate-conscious citizens to drive meaningful change.

A brief introduction to Civil Discourse, Please and podcast host, Dustyn Lanz.