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Misinformation and Disinformation in the Canadian Landscape

A chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, Ron Kronstein and Tara Wong

An accessible primer on misinformation and disinformation: how they spread, why they work, and what it means for Canadian media, trust in institutions, and regional divides.

Featuring media experts, Elamin Abdelmahmoud and Ron Kronstein, and moderated by Oakville Public Library CEO, Tara Wong. 

From viral hoaxes to algorithm-driven falsehoods, misinformation has rapidly become one of the greatest challenges facing our democracy. This conversation unpacks what misinformation and disinformation mean, how they spread, and why they’re so effective. With a focus on Canadian history and media, including trust in institutions and regional divides, this session sets the foundation for informed discussion and action.  

Panelist Bios: 
Elamin Abdelmahmoud is the host of CBC’s daily arts, entertainment, and pop culture show Commotion and an award‑winning culture writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, BuzzFeed News, and The Globe and Mail. He is the author of the No. 1 bestselling memoir Son of Elsewhere, a New York Times Notable Book and a Globe and Mail Top 100 Book. Please don’t ask him about his second book yet. 

Ron Kronstein is a veteran broadcast journalist with 35 years of experience in radio and television news, reporting locally, regionally, and nationally for CBC, CTV, and Global affiliates. He has held nearly every newsroom role, including anchor and news director, and also served for 11 years as an Army Public Affairs Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces. Now retired, Ron is pursuing his lifelong passion for painting. 

Tara Wong is the Chief Executive Officer of Oakville Public Library. A professional librarian and experienced public‑sector leader for over 20 years, Tara's passion for public libraries focuses on community development, innovation, and modernizing library services to meet the evolving needs of Oakville residents.