The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has been involved in creating deceptive prank videos targeting some of the country’s most vocal political dissidents, according to a new report. The extent of the public broadcaster’s involvement is currently unknown, but critics are calling it blatant propaganda.
Targeting Skeptics of Kamloops Grave Claims
All of the targeted individuals have one thing in common: they have been outspoken critics of the unverified claims that 215 children’s bodies were found in a mass grave at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. This includes commentator and former Conservative Party of B.C. staffer Lindsay Shepherd, and fired Mount Royal University professor Frances Widdowson. Shepherd was additionally targeted because she published a children’s book about John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister.
Conservative MP and documentary filmmaker Aaron Gunn announced that he was an attempted target, as was independent B.C. MLA Dallas Brodie.
How the Deception Unfolded
Both Shepherd and Widdowson realized the deception during hoax interviews, when the production teams outed themselves. Shepherd posted on X that she was deceived by social activists in an elaborate scheme dating back to January. A production group with a fake name and fake identities gave her a friendly interview about her book. They connected her with a fake company called Heritage Figures Canada and “hired” her for consulting work. After fake meetings, documents, and a commercial shoot, a second filmed interview revealed the setup, aimed at demonizing Sir John A. Macdonald and smearing her.
Shepherd included a screenshot of an email with CBC director of public relations Katherine Wolfgang, confirming the project was in early production for CBC entertainment and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Shepherd also shared that the persons involved know her home address, children’s names, and bank account information.
Widdowson’s Experience
Widdowson was flown from Calgary to Vancouver for a supposed documentary project. A fake production company, Forge Media, paid for her flights and hotel, and gave her a $1,000 honorarium. During a filmed studio interview, two persons walked onto set and dumped boxes of children’s shoes on a table, representing the alleged murdered children. Widdowson then realized she was under false pretences and began livestreaming. In conversation with American activist Igor Vamos, she said she hoped the interview would be shared widely. When she asked about the program, someone shut off the studio lights, and she was led into a waiting van.
The CBC has not commented on the allegations. The article suggests this is a misuse of taxpayer dollars to shame those who question the unverified narrative.
