Federal officials warn of disinformation risk tied to election debates

OTTAWA — Federal officials are advising voters to be on the lookout for online disinformation tied to the election debates this week.

Federal party leaders will square off in a televised French-language debate Wednesday and an English-language one on Thursday.

Laurie-Anne Kempton of the Privy Council Office told a media briefing today there is typically an increase in online activity around the time of leaders’ debates.

Kempton said most of that activity is legitimate political discussion and a key part of the democratic process.

She warned, however, that election debates can be exploited by people making false claims that are circulated widely.

Canadians head to the polls for a general election on April 28.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 14, 2025.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press