In communities lacking adequate local news media, what is in essence nothing more than propaganda might be the sum total of coverage an important issue gets. We need stronger laws to curb misinformation in advertising.
Wish there were actual punishments for misinformation instead of cost-of-doing-business fines.
From OP’s link:
Undermining [local autonomy and community ability to veto major projects] with sophisticated, well-funded astroturfing campaigns is a common denominator linking several similar efforts that are taking place in Canada right now. Recent investigations have revealed a pattern of astroturf organizations, directed by individuals connected to conservative parties and/or the oil and gas sector, running “concerned citizens campaigns” in Regina, in Saskatoon and in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.
These campaigns poison public discourse by flooding the proverbial “marketplace of ideas” with false and misleading information, to the point that it becomes effectively impossible to have a meaningful public conversation.
Wish there were actual punishments for misinformation instead of cost-of-doing-business fines.
From OP’s link:
Leaving this link here in case anyone wanted a quick scroll of the Manning Centre approved media that amplifies all their shit.