NSERC/CIHR/SSHRC Offering Money To Those Willing To Target Minorities For Vaccination

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, these 4 bodies held a joint conference to discuss funding opportunities for targeting minority groups in Canada for vaccination. This isn’t limited to these CV “vaccines”, but is aimed at vaccination in general. In case anyone wonders that the videos are taken out of context, the entire videos and power-points (both English and French), are included in the following links.

Encouraging vaccine confidence in Canada.ppt_
Renforcer la confiance a l’egard des vaccins au Canada

CIHR/NSERC/SSHRC Vaccine Confidence Full Conference (English)
CIHR/NSERC/SSHRC Vaccine Confidence Full Conference (French)

NSERC Page Announcing Grant Program

This is a continuation from this previous article. The Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Social Studies and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), are launching this joint program. $2.25 million is to be spent. Grants are to be up to $50,000 each. In theory, 45 organizations could receive this money.

To be clear, this isn’t about financing research into the causes and details of “vaccine hesitancy”. Instead, this is about employing institutions (who present as scientific) to push the narrative that vaccination is a good thing. This is paying organizations to promote the push the narrative. In short, this is glorified advertising. It is made clear throughout that this is not about employing research.

If you want this money, you need to figure out how to target a minority community in Canada, getting them more accepting of mass vaccination. Having a science background is not important, provided you are good at selling things. Is your integrity worth just $50,000?

You may be forgiven for thinking that CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC were about providing grants for scientific research. That is supposed to be their agenda. But not today.

RE: CANUCK LAW ON “VACCINE HESITANCY”
(A) Canada’s National Vaccination Strategy
(B) The Vaccine Confidence Project
(C) More Research Into Overcoming “Vaccine Hesitancy”
(D) Psychological Manipulation Over “Vaccine Hesitancy”
(E) World Economic Forum Promoting More Vaccinations
(F) CIHR/NSERC/SSHRC On Grants To Raise Vaccine Uptake

RE: CANUCK LAW ON MEDIA SUBSIDIES, DONATIONS
(a) Subsidization Programs Available For Media Outlets (QCJO)
(b) Political Operatives Behind Many “Fact-Checking” Groups
(c) DisinfoWatch, MacDonald-Laurier, Journalists For Human Rights
(d) Taxpayer Subsidies To Combat CV “Misinformation”
(e) Postmedia Periodicals Getting Covid Subsidies
(f) Aberdeen Publishing (BC, AB) Getting Grants To Operate
(g) Other Periodicals Receiving Subsidies
(h) Still More Media Subsidies Taxpayers Are Supporting
(i) Media Outlets, Banks, Credit Unions, All Getting CEWS

Other articles are available above. They concern both the corruption of the media in Canada, and the “vaccine hesitancy” research that has been underway for a long time. Take the deep dive.

While so much of the Canadian media is compromised, this site never will be. Truth matters much more than money.

New $2.25M For “Vaccine Confidence” Programs, $240K To Study Mandatory Vaccines

The Canadian Government is offering organizations up to $50,000 each to promote “vaccine confidence”, and to convince people that they should be taking it. It’s being organized jointly by the NSERC, the SSHRC, and the CIHR.

To be clear, this isn’t 1 grant of $2.25 million. It is 45 grants of $50,000 each, or potentially more than 45, if amounts less than this are awarded.

1. Grants To Promote “Vaccine Confidence”

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are pleased to launch a special $2.25 million funding opportunity to support activities that promote vaccine confidence in Canada. The agencies expect these activities will improve public understanding of vaccines and help Canadians to make evidence-based decisions, especially among populations that are hesitant about vaccines.

The new funding is targeted at Canadian non-profit organizations, non-federal museums and science centres, and academic institutions with a strong track record of science and/or health promotion. Researchers from all fields with an expertise in combating vaccine-related misinformation may apply either individually through their institutions or in collaboration with science, social sciences, humanities, and/or health promotion organizations.

NSERC will host information webinars to discuss the funding opportunity’s goals and selection criteria, how to prepare an application, and to answer questions. Interested applicants can attend the French session on March 8, 2021 at 1:30 PM Eastern and/or the English session on March 9, 2021 at 12:30 PM Eastern.

This is serious. SSHRC/NSERC/CIHR are working together to launch a program that will award up to $50,000 each for an institution to promote “vaccine confidence”, in order to convince Canadians that these vaccines are safe. Presumably the CV shots are the primary target.

Note: none of these grants are aimed at ENSURING vaccines are safe, such as with additional testing. Instead, the goal is to CONVINCE people that they already are.

2. Marketing/Advertising, Not Science At Play

Examples of eligible activities include:
.
-providing scientifically sound information about vaccines via social media, hotlines, webinars, forums or websites in a way that addresses beliefs and fears
developing, translating and disseminating easy-to-understand and engaging materials on vaccine acceptance and adoption of public health measures in a culturally appropriate way
-delivering workshops to train community leaders on promoting vaccine confidence and sharing best practices for evidence-based decision making
-mobilizing social sciences and humanities knowledge to address cultural and societal determinants of vaccine hesitancy in order to better ensure vaccine confidence
-sharing historical perspectives on pandemics and vaccine development to build trust and confidence in the community
-providing techniques for identifying reliable sources of information versus misinformation pertaining to vaccines

These activities have nothing to do with science. Instead, they are about using the perceived legitimacy of scientific institutions in order to promote the Government narratives. In short, these institutions would become propaganda outlets, much like the media in Canada.

3. Study Into MANDATORY Vaccines In Canada

Remember how, just 6 months ago, people who spoke of mandatory vaccinations were called “conspiracy theorists”? Turns out, that at least $240,000 of public money has been spend looking into exactly that issue. And there are probably more of these grants.

The Government is enlisting institutions which appear to be neutral in order to prop up its agenda. Seriously, how much is integrity worth these days? It’s bad enough that almost the entire Canadian media is in on it, but scientific institutions at least claim to be neutral truth seekers.

4. Important Links

https://twitter.com/CIHR_IRSC
https://twitter.com/NSERC_CRSNG
https://twitter.com/SSHRC_CRSH

NSERC Grant Postings, For “Vaccine Confidence”
https://archive.is/QRJAW

Event Information Describing The Grant Program
https://archive.is/8QaUT

$240,000 Spent To Study MANDATORY Vaccines
https://archive.is/5xA4e

Other “Pandemic” Grants

RE: CANUCK LAW ON “VACCINE HESITANCY”
(A) Canada’s National Vaccination Strategy
(B) The Vaccine Confidence Project
(C) More Research Into Overcoming “Vaccine Hesitancy”
(D) Psychological Manipulation Over “Vaccine Hesitancy”
(E) World Economic Forum Promoting More Vaccinations

RE: CANUCK LAW ON MEDIA SUBSIDIES, DONATIONS
(a) Subsidization Programs Available For Media Outlets (QCJO)
(b) Political Operatives Behind Many “Fact-Checking” Groups
(c) DisinfoWatch, MacDonald-Laurier, Journalists For Human Rights
(d) Taxpayer Subsidies To Combat CV “Misinformation”
(e) Postmedia Periodicals Getting Covid Subsidies
(f) Aberdeen Publishing (BC, AB) Getting Grants To Operate
(g) Other Periodicals Receiving Subsidies
(h) Still More Media Subsidies Taxpayers Are Supporting
(i) Media Outlets, Banks, Credit Unions, All Getting CEWS

DisinfoWatch: Ties To Atlas Network, Connected To LPC Political Operatives

Another website is out, this one called DisinfoWatch. It’s a rather ironic name, considering who funds it, and that its agenda is to parrot the Government narrative,

1. The Media Is Not Loyal To The Public

Truth is essential in society, but the situation in Canada is worse than people imagine. In Canada (and elsewhere), the mainstream media, periodicals, and fact-checkers are subsidized, though they deny it. Post Media controls most outlets in Canada, and many “independents” have ties to Koch/Atlas. Real investigative journalism is needed, and some pointers are provided.

2. Buying Off Entire Canadian Media

(a) Subsidization Programs Available For Media Outlets (QCJO)
(b) Political Operatives Behind Many “Fact-Checking” Groups
(c) Taxpayer Subsidies To Combat CV “Misinformation”
(d) Postmedia Periodicals Getting Covid Subsidies
(e) Aberdeen Publishing (BC, AB) Getting Grants To Operate
(f) Other Periodicals Receiving Subsidies
(g) Still More Media Subsidies Taxpayers Are Supporting
(h) Media Outlets, Banks, Credit Unions, All Getting CEWS

3. DisinfoWatch Is Brand New Group

MONITOR
We identify and track mis/disinformation narratives and trends emerging from both domestic and foreign sources, through a global network of partners
.
RESEARCH
When we detect potential Covid related mis/disinformation we analyze content, its sources and seek to debunk wherever possible. Examples are then added to our database
.
LITERACY
Promoting digital literacy with the latest learning resources to foster greater awareness of mis/disinformation and promote skills such as source, claim and fact checking.
.
DEFEND
By exposing and debunking mis/disinformation on an ongoing basis and producing regular DisinfoDigests, DisinoWatch builds resilience against it – regardless of source or intent.

DisinfoWatch’s Twitter account started in September 2020. At the time of writing this, there are only 65 tweets listed. This was clearly set up specifically for this “pandemic”. There are also several examples cited of their work making its way into mainstream outlets. The site also contains a database of disinformation and debunked claims to go through.

4. Who Is Behind DisinfoWatch’s Media Efforts?

DisinfoWatch.org is the Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s new COVID-19 and foreign disinformation monitoring and debunking platform. http://macdonaldlaurier.ca

That quote is from the Twitter profile. On the website, near the bottom, 2 organizations are listed, and it’s implied that they are behind everything.

  • Journalists For Human Rights
  • MacDonald-Laurier Institute

Both entities will be addressed in the following sections. Things are not quite what they seem to be, as the rabbit hole goes much deeper.

5. MacDonald-Laurier Part Of Atlas Network

  • Alberta Institute
  • Canadian Constitution Foundation
  • Canadian Taxpayers Federation
  • Canadians For Democracy And Transparency
  • Fraser Institute
  • Frontier Center For Public Policy
  • Institute For Liberal Studies
  • Justice Center For Constitutional Freedoms
  • MacDonald-Laurier Institute For Public Policy
  • Manning Center
  • Montreal Economic Institute
  • World Taxpayers Federation

Atlas’ partners can be searched instantly online. When this last piece was written, Atlas Network had 12 Canadian partners. A few changes have been made, and now there are currently 11.

  • Alberta Institute
  • Canadian Constitution Foundation
  • Canadian Taxpayers Federation
  • Canadians For Democracy And Transparency
  • Fraser Institute
  • Frontier Center For Public Policy
  • Institute For Liberal Studies
  • MacDonald-Laurier Institute For Public Policy
  • Manning Center
  • Montreal Economic Institute
  • Second Street

Both the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms and the World Taxpayers Federation are no longer listed as partners. However, the organization we are mostly interested in is the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.

Interesting aside, the JCCF, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, is responsible for filing several court actions against Provincial Governments.

Also, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney used to be the President of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation, which is also part of Atlas.

It’s not much of a secret that Atlas Network is a group of “conservative” and “libertarian” think tanks, and gets a substantial part of its funding from the Koch Brothers.

6. Staff Of MacDonald-Laurier Institute

Brett Byers is the Communications and Digital Media Manager for MLI. He also spent 2 1/2 years an an e-Communications Officer for the Trudeau Government.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-byers-lane-63872710a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-carrigan-69045513/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianleecrowley/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-habchi-02853a195/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-watson-33740221/

Full list is available here.

7. Journalists For Human Rights (JHR) Donations

The project Mobilizing Media to Fight COVID-19, with a $1,479,857 contribution from Global Affairs Canada, is a COVID-19 crisis response project to train journalists: a) to ensure that COVID-19 reporting is scientifically accurate and technically sound and, thereby encouraging safer behaviours; and b) to work with citizens’ groups to identify mis/disinformation, particularly on social media, and to debunk harmful myths surrounding COVID-19. The training will particularly focus on ensuring that information is being provided to women and marginalized communities, and that their needs and rights to adequate services are included in media coverage. Subject to the successful conclusion of discussions for the financial instrument, the project implementation partner, Journalists for HumanRights (JHR), will work in the following 12 African and Middle Eastern countries: Gambia, Ghana, Iraq, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Yemen.

Journalists for Human Rights has received a few large grants from taxpayers, including nearly $1.5 million in 2020 as a form of “Covid relief”. Perhaps this is cynical, but it may explain their mission to combat misinformation.

8. Peter Donolo: JHR, Longtime LPC Operative

Peter Donolo is a longtime Liberal operative. He was Chretien’s Communications Director, he worked in the Office of the Official Opposition for Michael Ignatieff, and other political roles. Ignatieff, incidently, is now a Vice-President of Soros’ Open Society Group.

Donolo is also now a Board Member at CIVIX and Journalists for Human Rights. He has ties to the Liberals, who are also funding various initiatives to counter misinformation.

9. Chad Rogers, Crestview Strategy

Chad Rogers not only works for JHR, but he’s a Co-Founder of the lobbying firm, Crestview Strategy. Another Co-Founder is Rob Silver, husband of Katie Telford, the Chief of Staff for Justin Trudeau. Incidently, Crestview was also involved in lobbying Canadian officials for money is relation to vaccines.

Looking through some of the other members, such as Michael Cooke and Karen Restoule, it’s clear the the Journalists for Human Rights actually are journalists with connections to the mainstream media.

10. JHS Agenda: Combatting Misinformation

Canadians need quality, trustworthy coverage for evidence-based public debate about issues that matter, to hold duty bearers accountable and to mobilize knowledge toward solutions to complex problems. JHR’s project, “Fighting Disinformation through Strengthened Media and Citizen Preparedness in Canada” trains journalists on best practices of combating disinformation and exposing deliberate manipulation of public opinion on social media, while concurrently engaging people in Canada on digital and news skills literacy to enhance citizen preparedness against online manipulation and misinformation.
.
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

Canadians need reliable, quality coverage to hold factual debates on important issues, empower bondholders, and mobilize knowledge to find solutions to complex problems. JDH’s project, “Fighting Disinformation Through Media Strengthening and Preparing Citizens in Canada,” trains journalists in best practices to combat misinformation and expose the deliberate manipulation of public opinion on social media, while simultaneously engaging the Canadian public on digital literacy and news to build resilience against online manipulation and misinformation.
.
This project was made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

Straight from the source. This project was made possible — namely, funded — by the Canadian Government. The Journalists for Human Rights are less about journalism, and more about perpetuating the official narratives. While fact-checking stories is important, fact-checking the fact-checkers needs to be done as well.

These are the groups behind DisinfoWatch:
(a) Journalists for Human Rights
(b) MacDonald-Laurier Institute

11. No Wonder Government Measures Are Legal

DisinfoWatch has released many articles “debunking” so-called conspiracy theories, and trying to debunk claims that this is all about population control, and forcibly altering society. In fact, virtually all exposes that reveal Government deception are labelled hoaxes. Although, one has to wonder how many theories are put out by groups like DisinfoWatch, as an effort to make all claims seem ridiculous.

Digital Citizen Contribution Program: “Pandemic Bucks” To Fight Misinformation

Nothing screams dystopian nightmare quite like using tax dollars to deploy artificial intelligence to find ways to counter critics of the “pandemic” narrative. It’s not like the AI could be put to good use, or anything like that.

Now, many of these groups aren’t getting money specifically for this, but the same “disinformation” research could still be applied in most cases.

1. The Media Is Not Loyal To The Public

Truth is essential in society, but the situation in Canada is worse than people imagine. In Canada (and elsewhere), the mainstream media, periodicals, and fact-checkers are subsidized, though they deny it. Post Media controls most outlets in Canada, and many “independents” have ties to Koch/Atlas. Real investigative journalism is needed, and some pointers are provided.

2. How Your Tax Dollars Are Being Used

The Digital Citizen Contribution Program supports the priorities of the Digital Citizen Initiative by providing time-limited financial assistance for research and citizen-focused activities. The Program aims to support democracy and social cohesion in Canada by enhancing and/or supporting efforts to counter online disinformation and other online harms and threats.

The Government is handing out money to certain organizations to promote its version of responsible journalism. What could possibly go wrong with that?

The following organizations are eligible for funding:

  • a national, provincial, territorial, municipal, Indigenous, community or professional organization, society or association which has voluntarily associated itself for a not-for-profit purpose, and which has the mandate to represent its membership or community
  • a not-for-profit organization, including non-governmental or umbrella organizations, non-profit corporations, community groups, regulatory bodies or apprenticeship authorities, or associations serving the private sector
  • a university or educational institution
  • an individual researcher, acting in his or her personal capacity
  • a research institution with an established record in relevant field(s), intending to undertake work in a Canadian context
  • a for-profit Canadian and Canadian-owned institution with a record of developing and delivering programming, and performing research or related activities relevant to the goals of Canadian Heritage’s Digital Citizen Initiative, provided that the nature and the intent of the activity is non-commercial

Now, who’s getting the money?

NAME YEAR AMOUNT
Alex Wilner and Casey Babb Aug. 10, 2020 $9,900
Alperin, Juan P. Apr. 1, 2020 $20,000
Asian Environmental Association – HUA Foundation Apr. 1, 2020 $64,660
BILAL Community & Family Centre Aug. 15, 2020 $40,000
Calgary Animated Objects Society Aug. 1, 2020 $40,000
Centre for Democracy and Development Oct. 22, 2018 $49,420
The Centre For Israel And Jewish Affairs Sep. 1, 2020 $38,000
Côté, Catherine Mar. 22, 2020 $8,000
Chun, Wendy H.K. Apr. 1, 2020 $20,000
CIVIX Nov. 15, 2018 $23,000
Colasante, Tyler Jan. 1, 2020 $10,000
Concordia University Oct. 1, 2020 $39,270
Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, David Jones Dec. 17, 2019 $49,916
David Morin, Marie-Ève Carignan Dec. 4, 2020 $44,838
Digital Public Square Mar. 1, 2020 $679,176
Evans, Jennifer V. Apr. 1, 2020 $20,000
Fleerackers, Alice L. Jan. 1, 2020 $10,000
Gingras, Marie-Pier Jan. 1, 2020 $10,000
Grisdale, Sean E. Jan. 1, 2020 $10,000
Hodson, Jaigris N. Apr. 1, 2020 $20,000
Institute For Canadian Citizenship Mar. 24, 2020 $490,880
Institute For Democracy, Media & Culture Jul. 27, 2020 $35,750
Institute On Governance Oct. 1, 2020 $100,000
International Republican Institute Mar. 15, 2019 $2,973,531
Internews Network Mar. 19, 2020 $3,172,323
IRIS Communications Oct. 1, 2020 $99,500
JHR – Journalists for Human Rights Jun. 1, 2019 $250,691
JHR – Journalists for Human Rights Jul. 14, 2020 $1,479,856
Ketchum, Alexandra D. Mar. 22, 2020 $23,455
Kingdom Acts Foundation Sep. 1, 2020 $70,500
Lavigne, Mathieu Jan. 1, 2020 $10,000
Lennox, Rebecca Jan. 1, 2020 $10,000
Macewan University Nov. 1, 2020 $69,000
Mack, Amy C. Jan. 1, 2020 $10,000
Magazines Canada May 15, 2019 $63,000
Manchester Metropolitan University Feb. 1, 2020 $214,837
Matthews, Kyle Apr. 20, 2020 $33,377
McLevey, John V.P. Apr. 1, 2020 $20,000
Moisse, Katie Mar. 22, 2020 $13,417
Nathalie Furrer Aug. 10, 2020 $10,000
Nelson, Kim A. Mar. 22, 2020 $24,498
Neubauer, Robert J. Jan. 1, 2020 $10,000
PeaceGeeks Society Nov. 11, 2015 $46,200
Pennycook, Gordon R. Apr. 1, 2020 $20,000
QuantSpark Foundation Feb. 26, 2020 $1,155,622
Rupantar Oct. 28, 2018 $24,996
Ruslan Stefanov, Director, Jul. 3, 2018 $15,000
Ryerson University Apr. 1, 2019 $290,250
Ryerson University Jan. 1, 2020 $225,300
Ryerson University Sep. 18, 2020 $97,407
Science North Sep. 1, 2020 $40,000
Simon Fraser University Jan. 19, 2019 $28,750
Simon Fraser University – Int’l Cybercrime Research Oct. 1, 2020 $96,600
Taylor, Emily Jan. 1, 2020 $33,250
Trybun Jan. 21, 2019 $7,114
Young, Hilary A.N. Apr. 1, 2020 $20,000
York University Nov. 1, 2020 $99,956

This is what your tax dollars go towards. Check this link for general disinformation grants, this for propaganda, and this one for specific CV-19 disinfo grants. It’s worth pointing out that for much of the research, even though it may not list the “pandemic” specifically, the information learned could still be applied to it. Besides, the dates are pretty suspicious.

As discussed here, some “fact checking” groups like CIVIX and Journalists for Human Rights have extensive political ties, which call into question anything they do produce.

Another updated list is available from Newswire. Nice to see someone else addressing it.

3. Ryerson University’s Social Media Lab

As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, so too does the flow of information and misinformation related to the virus. In a recent announcement by the Government of Canada, external link, researchers at the Ted Rogers School of Management’s Social Media Lab, in collaboration with researchers at Royal Roads University, received funding to examine the spread of digital misinformation related to the coronavirus. The study seeks to mitigate the spread of misinformation, stigma and fear through education.

The study, Inoculating Against an Infodemic: Microlearning Interventions to Address CoV Misinformation, will be a two-year study that aims to develop online learning interventions to improve people’s knowledge, beliefs and behaviours related to COVID-19.

Researchers at the Social Media Lab have already created a portal, external link designed to track and combat misinformation related to COVID-19.

Ryerson University has started a 2 year program designed to track “misinformation” trends, and to look for ways to counter it online. Of course, if it contradicts the official narrative, it must be tracked and countered.

4. Concordia University’s Disinfo Research

The event will be livestreamed on the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies’ Facebook and YouTube pages.

The Canadian Coalition to Counter COVID Digital Disinformation is a project organized by the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies with funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Digital Citizens Initiative. The team is working to enhance Canadian citizens’ digital literacy and resiliency as they come in contact with misinformation and disinformation relating to COVID-19.

As part of this work, a series of digital townhalls will be held on issues like foreign interference, conspiracy theories and fake news. Stay tuned for more events hosted on these topics.

Concordia took nearly $40,000 to undertake this effort in researching and ultimately combating “misinformation”. Note: institutions like this never seem to question whether the narratives they push is itself fake news. It’s comical.

5. Financing Your Own Brainwashing

Not only does the Government donate to newspapers, periodicals, and other media, but it finances research into combatting misinformation. What this (really) means is that finding ways to prevent the truth from coming out.

And if that doesn’t work, Government can just pass laws to ban opinions it doesn’t like. This has been proposed for nearly a year now. Be aware, that if the efforts fail with the various Government programs, it’s possible different views will just be legislated away.

(1) https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/online-disinformation/digital-citizen-contribution-program.html
(2) https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/online-disinformation/digital-citizen-contribution-program.html#a2
(3) https://search.open.canada.ca/en/gc/
(4) https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ongoing-support-for-research-and-media-literacy-projects-as-canada-continues-to-fight-online-disinformation-816455316.html
(5) https://canucklaw.ca/cv-46-dominic-leblanc-proposes-law-to-ban-misinformation-about-virus/

Many Other Periodicals Receiving The “Pandemic Bucks” In Order To Push The Narrative

The Voice of Pelham is one of many dozens of media outlets which receives taxpayer subsidies as “Covid relief”. A reasonable person may wonder to what degree that impacts the content they cover.

1. The Media Is Not Loyal To The Public

Truth is essential in society, but the situation in Canada is worse than people imagine. In Canada (and elsewhere), the mainstream media, periodicals, and fact-checkers are subsidized, though they deny it. Post Media controls most outlets in Canada, and many “independents” have ties to Koch/Atlas. Real investigative journalism is needed, and some pointers are provided.

2. Canadian Media Is Heavily Subsidized

This rabbit hole goes much deeper than Aberdeen Publishing, or Postmedia. Nearly all media in Canada, whether it is mainstream, alternvative, or just an infrequent publisher, is receiving financial support. And this doesn’t even factor into the ad space that is bought up. Can it be any wonder that they aren’t too critical of the official narratives?

https://search.open.canada.ca/en/gc/

3. Records Of More Periodical Subsidies

NAME YEAR AMOUNT
The 40-Mile County Commentator Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $112,834
The 40-Mile County Commentator Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $28,209
Alaska Highway News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $73,353
Assiniboia Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $21,898
The Battlefords Regional News-Optimist Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $68,449
Bridge River Liollet News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $19,190
Bridge River Liollet News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
Burnaby Now Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $196,439
Carlyle Observor Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $16,934
Dawson Creek Mirror Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $58,958
Delta Optimist Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $183,342
East Central Recorder Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,145
Estevan Mercury Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $50,362
Maple Creek & Southwest Advance Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $30,438
Maple Creek & Southwest Advance Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $7,610
Maple Creek News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $29,897
Maple Creek News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $7,474
Midweek Peak Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $41,999
New Westminister Record Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $196,204
North Shore News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $355,882
Orinha Media Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $43,440
Pique Newsmagazine Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $272,821
Post City Magazines Inc. Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $504,262
Powell River Peak Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $48,670
Powell River Peak Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $12,168
Prairie Post East Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $63,302
Prairie Post East Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $21,430
Richmond News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $204,988
The Shaunavon Standard Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,625
The Shaunavon Standard Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
Squamish Chief Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $89,205
The Sunny South News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $75,565
The Sunny South News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,891
The Taber Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $33,262
The Taber Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $8,316
Thompson Citizen Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $41,167
Tri-City News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $246,952
Unity-Wilkie Press Herald Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $30,048
Unity-Wilkie Press Herald Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $7,512
Vancouver Courier Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $317,825
The Vauxhall Advance Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $8,261
The Vauxhall Advance Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
Virden Empire-Advance Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $36,821
Virden Empire-Advance Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $9,205
The Voice Of Pelham Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,962
Western Investor Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $31,001
Westlock News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $56,174
Westlock News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $14,044
Westwind Weekly News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $4,532
Westwind Weekly News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
Weyburn Review Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $36,741
Weyburn Review Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $9,185
Weyburn This Week Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $28,686
Yorkton This Week Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $56,174
Yorkton This Week Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $14,044

Note: There are organizations that received funding during this time that WEREN’T specifically labelled as Covid funding. That said, if they had any “understanding” when receiving any grants, it would apply to all of them.

This isn’t all of the organizations getting money. However, search HERE to see if your local paper is getting money as well.

There are also relatively few owners controlling most of the above outlets, such as:

  • Alta Newspaper Group Limited Partnership
  • LMP Publication Limited Partnership
  • Prairie Newspaper Group Limited
  • Whistler Publishing Limited Partnership

4. Local Journalism Initiative

NAME YEAR AMOUNT
Association De La Press Francophone Jun. 10, 2019 – Mar. 31, 2021 $600,000
Canadian Association Of Community TV Users And Stations May 7, 2019 – Mar. 31, 2021 $1,200,000
Canadian News Media Association May 1, 2019 – Mar. 31, 2021 $14,400,000
Community Radio Fund Of Canada Inc. Apr. 29, 2019 – Mar. 31, 2021 $2,000,000
National Ethnic Press And Media Council Of Canada Jun. 4, 2019 – Mar. 31, 2021 $1,200,000
Quebec Community Newspapers Association Jun. 28, 2019 – Mar. 31, 2021 $600,000

Even before this “pandemic” hit, Ottawa was handing out subsidies. These grants are for the Local Journalism Initiative. Not sure why we need to fund the National Ethnic Press and Media Council. Isn’t that the opposite of local?

5. Canadians Get Raw Deal Here

What does all this mean? It means that the vast majority of media in Canada, even so-called “independents” are being financially propped up by Ottawa. Or rather, it means that they are supported by taxes and debt that the public is incurring.

It must be noted, that in addition to direct grants, Governments further use public money to purchase ads, to reinforce these claims. The result is a near monopoly in the media. Considering the many unanswered questions, this seems particularly dangerous.

Does any of this help Canadians? Does having a press unable or unwilling to address difficult questions benefit society in any way? Certainly not. For real journalism, check out this page.

Postmedia Subsidies & Connections May Explain Lack Of Interest In Real Journalism

Postmedia owns the bulk of the media outlets in Canada. This includes both mainstream news, and many smaller ones. It is also heavily subsidized by the Government, which in reality, means the taxpayers. Is that the reason why they don’t properly cover this so-called “pandemic” in Canada?

1. The Media Is Not Loyal To The Public

Truth is essential in society, but the situation in Canada is worse than people imagine. In Canada (and elsewhere), the mainstream media and fact-checkers are subsidized, though they deny it. Post Media controls most outlets in Canada, and many “independents” have ties to Koch/Atlas. Real investigative journalism is needed, and some pointers are provided.

2. Important Links

https://www.postmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Postmedia-Network-Canada-Corp-MDA-Q1-F21-Final.pdf
https://www.postmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Postmedia-Network-Canada-Corp-FS-Q1-F21-Final.pdf
Postmedia-Network-Canada-Corp-FS-Q1-F21-Final
Postmedia-Network-Canada-Corp.-Cons-Aug-2019-1-1

Fall 2018 Economic Update For Canada
Canada 2019 Federal Budget
Digital News Subscription Tax Credit (15% Back)
Refundable Labour Tax Credit (25% Of Salaries)
Canada Periodical Fund (75%, Up To $1.5 Million)
Special Measures For Journalism (CV-19)

Postmedia Subsidies For Periodicals

Postmedia Governance
https://archive.is/hctqB
Vincent Gasparro’s LinkedIn Page

Postmedia’s Debt Restructuring
Postmedia Debt Arrangement Settlement 2016

3. Many Programs Available For Media Firms

It was outlined earlier, some of the taxpayer subsidies that media companies can get. These include:
[A] Digital News subscription Tax Credit (15% rebate)
[B] Refundable Labour Tax Credit (up to 25% of salaries)
[C] Canada Periodical Fund (75% of expenses, up to $1.5M)
[D] Special Measures for Journalism (75% of expenses, up to $1.5M)

Now, we have the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which is even more handouts in order to keep otherwise unprofitable media solvent. In fairness, Postmedia does bring in over $100 million per quarter, according to its financials. But one has to wonder what strings are attached to these grants, such as the type of coverage provided to the public.

Granted, many businesses that have nothing to do with this industry are eligible as well for the CEWS.

4. Postmedia Expects Millions In Tax Breaks

[Page 8]
4. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
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On April 11, 2020, the Government of Canada passed the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) to support employers facing financial hardship as measured by certain revenue declines as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. CEWS currently provides a reimbursement of compensation expense to June 2021 provided the applicant has met the applicable criteria, which has been established up to March 13, 2021. During the three months ended November 30, 2020 the Company recognized a recovery of compensation expense of $6.6 million related to CEWS. As at November 30, 2020, the Company has an amount receivable related to CEWS of $5.6 million included in trade and other receivables on the condensed consolidated statement of financial position (August 31, 2020 – $13.0 million).

Journalism Tax Credits
.
On June 21, 2019 the federal budget was approved which contained measures specific to the news media industry including a journalism tax credit whereby qualifying Canadian news organizations may apply for a refundable labour tax credit applied to the salaries of journalists. In December 2019, the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) issued the Application for Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization Designation and guidance related to the eligibility, qualifications and determination of the refundable labour tax credit which was further clarified in April 2020. On November 19, 2020, the Company received its designation as a Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization.

On October 2, 2019, the Government of Quebec announced a similar refundable labour tax credit to be applied to the salaries of journalists in Quebec provided an entity receives an eligibility certificate issued by Investissement Québec.

Both the federal and Quebec journalism tax credit legislation include provisions to reduce the qualifying salaries and wages eligible for the credit for other forms of assistance received including CEWS. During the three months ended November 30, 2020, the Company recognized a recovery of compensation expense of $1.5 million related to the journalism tax credits (2019 – $2.4 million). As at November 30, 2020, the aggregate journalism tax credit receivable of $12.3 million is included in trade and other receivables on the condensed consolidated statement of financial position (August 31, 2020 – $10.8 million). The recognition of the journalism tax credits receivable is based on the Company’s interpretation of the federal budget and the related legislation. Actual amounts received may differ from the amounts currently recorded based on future CRA and/or Revenue Québec interpretations of eligibility, qualifications and determination of the tax credits.

To its credit, Postmedia is open about the subsidies it gets. They build into the financials the anticipated refunds from the Canada Revenue Agency. Now that they have their status as Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization, this seems inevitable.

5. Postmedia Periodicals Are Subsidized

NAME YEAR AMOUNT
Airdrie Echo Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,210
Bow Valley Crag & Canyon Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $29,507
Chatham-Kent This Week Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $55,450
Clinton News Record Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $21,086
Clinton News Record Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,272
Cochrane Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $19,730
Cochrane Times-Post Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $25,118
Cochrane Times-Post Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $6,280
The Cold Lake Sun Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $20,629
The Courier Press Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,333
Devon Dispatch Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,529
Drayton Valley Western Review Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $36,803
Drayton Valley Western Review Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $9,201
Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $43,679
Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $10,920
The Fairview Post Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $21,966
The Fairview Post Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,492
Fort McMurray Today Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $45,970
Goderich Signal Star Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $66,744
Goderich Signal Star Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $16,686
The Graphic Leader Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $24,378
The Grove Examiner Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $54,973
Hanna Herald Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $12,539
Hanna Herald Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
High River Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,012
Huron Expositor (Seaforth) Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $23,501
Huron Expositor (Seaforth) Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,875
The Journal Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $29,340
Kenora Miner & News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $44,217
The Kincardine News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,210
Leduc Rep Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $40,857
The Londoner Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $18,210
Lucknow Sentinel Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $17,215
Lucknow Sentinel Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
The Mayerthorpe Freelancer Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $10,156
The Mayerthorpe Freelancer Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
The Mid-North Monitor Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $13,959
The Mid-North Monitor Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
Mitchell Advocate Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $36,312
Mitchell Advocate Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $9,078
Nanton News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $10,060
Nanton News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
Northern News This Week Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $39,207
Ontario Farmer Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $855,254
Ontario Farmer Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $213,814
Pembroke Observer & News Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $50,195
The Pincher Creek Echo Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
The Pincher Creek Echo Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $14,512
The Post Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $34,234
The Record Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $29,688
Record-Gazette Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $20,152
Record-Gazette Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,038
Sarnia & Lambton County This Week Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $17,172
Sault This Week Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $144,121
Shoreline Beacon Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $39,074
Shoreline Beacon Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $9,769
The Standard (Elliot Lake) Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $47,825
The Standard (Elliot Lake) Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $11,956
The Timmins Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $19,582
The Trentonian Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $32,614
Vermilion Standard Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $20,765
The Vulcan Advocate Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $19,194
The Vulcan Advocate Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,000
Weekender Times-Advance Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $44,932
The Wetaskiwin Times Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $14,794
The Whitecourt Star Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $21,872
The Whitecourt Star Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $5,272
Wiarton Echo Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $24,872
Wiarton Echo Apr. 1, 2020 – Mar. 31, 2021 $6,218

This is hardly all of them, as this has been going on for a very long time. The search came up with 216 donations to these various groups. Given all of these outlets that are controlled by Postmedia, and propped up by Government subsidies, is it any wonder that there is no real criticism of this “pandemic”?

6. Connections Of Postmedia Board Of Directors

Janet Ecker (Director)
.
Janet Ecker recently retired from the role of President and CEO of Toronto Financial Services Alliance, having served in the role for nearly 13 years. Ms. Ecker served as a member of provincial parliament in Ontario from 1995 to 2003 and held the portfolios of Minister of Finance, Minister of Education, Minister of Community and Social Services and Government House Leader. In 2002 she was the first woman to deliver a budget in Ontario.
.
In November 2016, Ms. Ecker was named a Member of the Order of Canada for being a leader in the financial industry.

Janet Ecker was a Cabinet Minister in the Government of Mike Harris (who was succeeded by Ernie Eves). She was part of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party…. which now back in power, headed by Doug Ford.

Vincent Gasparro (Director)
.
Mr. Gasparro is currently the Managing Director, Corporate Development & Clean Energy Finance, at Vancity Community Investment Bank. Previously he served as the Principal Secretary in the Office of the Mayor of Toronto and held various roles in private equity with Lynx Equity Ltd. and its affiliates. Prior to that Mr. Gasparro served as Special Assistant in the Office of the Prime Minister. Mr. Gasparro is a graduate of York University (BA), earned an MSc from the London School of Economics and an MBA from the Villanova School of Business in Philadelphia.

Gasparro worked in the Office of the Mayor of Toronto under John Tory. He also worked in the Prime Minister’s Office under Paul Martin. Martin was succeeded by Dion, Ignatieff…. and now Justin Trudeau.

Andrew MacLeod (Director)
.
Mr. MacLeod is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Postmedia Network Inc. He joined Postmedia in 2014 as EVP and Chief Commercial Officer and served as President and Chief Operating Officer in 2017. Prior to joining Postmedia, Mr. MacLeod held a number of senior executive positions in the technology sector, including serving as the Senior Vice President & Regional Managing Director of North America at BlackBerry. Mr. MacLeod also currently serves as a Director on the board for Waterfront Toronto and Communitech. Mr. MacLeod is a graduate of Western University (BA).

This could be entirely coincidental, but BlackBerry did get a large contract to build a national contact tracing app for Canada. The Postmedia Directors are very connected.

Graham Savage (Director)
.
Mr. Savage is a corporate director, and from 1997 to 2007 he was Chairman and Founding Partner of Callisto Capital, a private equity firm. Prior to that, Mr. Savage spent 21 years as a senior officer at Rogers Communications Inc. Mr. Savage is currently the Chairman of Sears Canada Inc. and a director of Cott Corporation. Mr. Savage previously served as a director of Canadian Tire Corp., Rogers Communications Inc., Sun Media Corp., Royal Group Technologies Ltd., Hollinger International Inc., among others.

Savage was a Senior Officer at Rogers. Guess who else worked there? John Tory, former head of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, and current Mayor of Toronto. Tory is a former President and CEO of Rogers Media.

This is just a few of them. It doesn’t exactly look like these are arm’s length relationships.

7. Postmedia Debt Restructuring, 2016

Postmedia Completes Recapitalization Transaction
October 5, 2016 (TORONTO) – Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (“PNCC” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Company’s previously announced recapitalization transaction (the “Recapitalization Transaction”), described in the Company’s management information circular dated August 5, 2016, was completed effective today upon implementation of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act. The Recapitalization Transaction includes, among others, the following key element

Postmedia Debt Arrangement Settlement 2016

In return for being able to get around millions in debt, Postmedia has had to give up 98% of the stock value to its creditors. Or rather, it allowed so much stock to be printed that current shareholders saw their investments plunge. This came from a court approved arrangement in 2016. The case file number is CV-16-11476-00CL.

8. Postmedia Lobbying Federal Government

Interestingly, Postmedia had lobbied the Federal Government over the years. One of the subjects was allowing foreign investment into the company.

As an aside, one of the firms lobbying was Capital Hill Group, the same firm that is helping G4S get more security contracts from Governments.

9. What Does All This Mean For Canada?

All of these subsidies and political connections may explain why this media conglomerate does no real journalism surrounding this “pandemic”. The Directors and various politicians are all connected, and no one wants to lose their tax subsidies.

It’s Canadians who lose. Instead of acting as a check on government overreach, media talking heads like Brian Lilley are all too willing to parrot back the talking points they are handed.