Building resilience in the information age: Defence Team hosts conference on countering misinformation and disinformation
November 6, 2025 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 1:45
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Attendees listen to a panel discussion during the Conference on Misinformation and Disinformation, featuring military, civilian, and academic leaders.
The Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs) recently hosted a half-day hybrid conference on misinformation and disinformation, bringing together experts from across government, academia, and NATO to share insights, best practices, and strategies to strengthen institutional resilience in an evolving information environment.
The event supported the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to enhance departmental approaches to countering information threats in line with the Government of Canada’s Policy on Communications and Federal Identity.
A shared commitment to building resilience
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Geneviève Binet, Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs), addresses the audience during the National Defence Conference on Misinformation and Disinformation, which brought together participants to explore strategies to identify and counter false information.
In an age of digital interconnectedness, misinformation and disinformation continue to pose serious challenges to national security, public trust, and operational effectiveness. These information threats are increasingly sophisticated, with state, state-sponsored, and non-state actors using them to polarize Canadians, influence Defence personnel, and undermine Canada’s cohesion and relationships with allies.
The conference emphasized the importance of collaboration—across government, with allies, and within the Defence Team—to address these challenges through a whole-of-government approach.
Distinguished speakers and diverse perspectives
Participants were privileged to hear from a distinguished lineup of guest speakers from diverse fields:
- MGen Dave Yarker, Canadian Armed Forces, Cyber Command
- Jānis Sārts, Director, NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
- Sarah Stinson, Director of Operations, Democratic Institutions, Privy Council Office
- Saliou N. Babou, Director, Rapid Response Mechanism at Global Affairs Canada
- Jeremy Harley, Acting Director, International Assistance Communications, Storytelling and Countering Disinformation, Global Affairs Canada
- Alan McCafferty, Director Cyber Security Program, University of Ottawa
Together, these experts explored the complex nature of misinformation and disinformation, and shared current approaches to detection and deterrence. They also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in our communications efforts to build trust and credibility.
Looking ahead
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Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, delivers the keynote address during the National Defence Conference on Misinformation and Disinformation.
As the information environment continues to evolve, the Defence Team must continue to adapt its tools, training, and mindset. This conference continues the conversation—bringing together partners, experts, and practitioners to strengthen collective understanding and response to the challenges of misinformation and disinformation.
Through continued vigilance, innovation, and collaboration with partners and allies, the Defence Team in collaboration with its government partners remains committed to protecting the integrity of information, strengthening trust, and supporting Canada’s security and democratic values in an increasingly complex world.