The federal office designed to promote ‘diversity and community participation’ has blocked all Canadians from replying to its Twitter account.

Twitter is evidently too inclusive, given what Governor General Mary Simon’s office alleged on Monday was increasingly hateful and racist replies to her tweets. 

“In recent months we have witnessed an increase in abusive, misogynistic and racist engagement on social media and online platforms, including a greater number of violent threats,” the Governor General’s account stated. 

“As a result, we will be turning off comments on our social media platforms to ensure that all those who consult our information can do so in an environment that is respectful to all.”

Simon’s office didn’t indicate which tweets or users were making the inappropriate comments. 

Most of the Governor General’s recent tweets were met with critical replies — as happens to every government official — but it’s unclear which ones her office considers to reflect bigotry.

Last week, Governor General Mary Simon received criticism by some Twitter users who learned she received a “mandatory” $40,000 raise during the pandemic. The National Post reported Simon’s salary went from $302,800 in 2019 to $342,100 in 2022.

Subsequently, some Twitter users ridiculed Simon for the development. 

Simon’s decision to shut down all Canadians from replying appears to be a first for an active federal office’s Twitter account. Some Canadian politicians, such as Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner, block replies on their personal Twitter accounts.

The Counter Signal emailed the Governor General’s office and asked why it wouldn’t block the few hateful users’ Twitter accounts, rather than all 37 million Canadians, but did not receive a reply before publication.

This development comes just days before the Trudeau Liberals could pass censorship Bill C-11.