Canada’s strategic communication to counter foreign propaganda

Over the decades, Canada has taken evolving strategic communication (StratCom) measures to counter foreign propaganda – often violent, extremist and undemocratic – disseminated by non-state and state actors. To this end, the Canadian government has employed both hard and soft tactics and strategies through legislation, community outreach and military operations.

Through such measures, the government aims to provide alternative narratives that rival hostile propaganda and place an emphasis on the country's diversity; to connect with local communities and engage them in national strategies that tackle violent extremism and radicalisation; and to promote Canadian values which include freedom, respect for cultural differences, and law and order.

Canada makes an important international contribution through its participation in the 'Five Eyes' intelligence-sharing alliance, in the Grand Coalition against ISIL/Da'esh, in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, as well as in NATO's Strategic Communications Centre for Excellence in Riga, Latvia.

Author: Naja Bentzen