Money has always been rooted deeply in politics, but mix of distrust and downright contempt for news and information, both real and fake, is a relatively new phenomenon. Trolls promote divisive conspiracy theories; populist politicians attack traditional media; and alternative and unreliable sources are not only readily available but often promoted through social media algorithms.

In our most recent provincial election, “Ontario Proud” appears to have had significant grassroots impact on social media and has since become the donation vehicle of choice for developers wishing to influence election outcomes.

Premier Doug Ford launched Ontario News Now, a party run information outlet, in order to bypass journalists and speak directly to the people.

Who are the new political players, how are they affecting our discourse and democracy, and how should we respond?

Journalist Jonathan Goldsbie has extensively covered the emergence of Ontario Proud onto the scene will join us along with The Toronto Star’s City Hall reporter David Rider, MPP Marit Stiles and former MPP Arthur Potts joins us Monday May 27.

We will be at the Madison (14 Madison Ave). Doors Open 7:00pm. Discussion starts promptly at 7:15pm.

Please RSVP to let us know you can join us.