Calgary Councillor Calls for Review of Misinformation’s Impact on City Governance
Calgary City Councillor Courtney Walcott is raising concerns about the increasing prevalence of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, and their potential detrimental effects on civic affairs. He plans to introduce a Notice of Motion in March, requesting an independent third-party review to assess the financial and governance-related impacts of misinformation within the city. Walcott emphasizes the need for a comprehensive analysis conducted by an external body to ensure objectivity and thoroughness. He intends to consult with the City of Calgary Ethics and Integrity Commissioners before formally presenting the motion.
Walcott distinguishes between the three types of information distortion. He defines misinformation as unintentional falsehoods, disinformation as the deliberate spread of known falsehoods, and malinformation as the manipulation of genuine information through misrepresentation, exaggeration, or removal of context, typically for political gain. He highlights the growing influence of these phenomena and expresses concern over the apparent global trend away from constructive dialogue on the issue.
The councillor points out that the concept of "fake news" is not new, having existed for almost a decade. He believes it’s critical to reverse the current trajectory, stressing the public’s increasing role in fact-checking due to the lack of reliable information sources. Walcott notes the efforts of citizens attempting to sift through deceptive information and the unfortunate reality of some politicians exploiting their positions to legitimize misleading information for political advantage, a practice he feels requires thorough investigation.
Misinformation Campaigns and Their Real-World Consequences
Councillor Kourtney Penner cites the Glenmore Landing land use issue as a prime example of a situation plagued by a significant misinformation campaign. She describes instances of manipulated images misrepresenting the development’s impact, unsubstantiated concerns about water usage repeatedly debunked by city officials, and even the dissemination of inaccurate figures regarding the projected population density in the area. Penner asserts that such tactics obstruct effective governance, emphasizing the intentional withholding of information as a form of misinformation itself. She criticizes the selective sharing of information, where counter-arguments and factual data are ignored by those opposing a project.
Walcott also links the repeated delays and current uncertain status of the $6.25 billion Green Line LRT project to the spread of misinformation. He suggests that these misinformation campaigns could potentially cost the city billions of dollars, emphasizing the democratic implications of not having access to reliable information, particularly when individuals actively obscure the truth. He underscores the financial burden associated with combating and addressing the consequences of misinformation, calling it a "monetary" issue.
The Role of Local Media and the Need for an External Review
Walcott stresses the importance of having an independent third-party group conduct the review, arguing that an outside perspective is crucial for objectivity. He envisions a report similar to an audit, detailing the impacts of managing various forms of misinformation across different sectors. He specifically mentions the impact on local media, noting the shrinking media landscape and the decreasing capacity for traditional fact-checking roles. He expresses concern over the erosion of the "Fifth Estate" and its traditional role in holding power accountable, highlighting the increasing gap in fact-checking capabilities that needs to be addressed.
The proposed review aims to shed light on the extent to which misinformation has influenced decision-making processes, public perception, and ultimately, the financial well-being of the city. By understanding the mechanisms and consequences of misinformation, Calgary can develop strategies to mitigate its negative effects and foster a more informed and transparent civic environment. Walcott believes this review will provide crucial data and insights to equip the city with the tools to combat misinformation and protect the integrity of its governance processes.
Walcott’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age. His call for an independent review signifies a proactive approach to addressing this issue and highlights the importance of transparency and access to accurate information in maintaining a healthy democracy. The findings of this review are expected to have significant implications for how Calgary, and potentially other municipalities, approach the increasingly complex landscape of information dissemination and public discourse. The review will hopefully offer valuable lessons and best practices for navigating the challenges of misinformation and ensuring the integrity of local governance.
The diminishing capacity of local media to perform traditional fact-checking roles is also a key concern driving this initiative. As newsrooms shrink and resources dwindle, the ability of journalists to thoroughly investigate claims and counter misinformation diminishes. This creates a vacuum that can be readily filled by purveyors of misinformation, leading to public confusion and potentially harmful consequences. The review is intended to assess the extent of this problem in Calgary and propose potential solutions.
Moreover, the review will likely delve into the strategies used to spread misinformation, identifying common tactics and actors involved. This information will be valuable in developing countermeasures and educating the public about how to identify and critically evaluate information they encounter. By understanding the methods used to disseminate misinformation, the city can better equip its citizens with the tools they need to navigate the increasingly complex information ecosystem.
The scope of the review will extend beyond the specific examples cited by Councillors Walcott and Penner, aiming to provide a broader understanding of the pervasiveness and impact of misinformation across various aspects of city life. This includes not only major infrastructure projects like the Green Line, but also local development proposals, community initiatives, and other areas where public discourse plays a vital role.
Ultimately, Walcott’s push for a review represents a proactive step towards protecting the integrity of Calgary’s governance processes and ensuring that decisions are based on accurate information. The review’s findings will not only provide valuable insights into the current state of misinformation in the city but also offer a roadmap for fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. This, in turn, will strengthen Calgary’s democratic foundations and contribute to a more resilient and transparent civic environment.
