Former Global News reporter Rachel Gilmore told a public safety committee on Tuesday that opposition to things like immigration and trans rights “has a lot in common with” Russia’s efforts to divide the West.
Gilmore, who amplified the ‘Arson Hoax’ during the Freedom Convoy, was invited by the Liberals to speak as a witness at the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security where she spoke about Russian influence and disinformation.
She told members that Russia’s alleged attempts to create division in America is done by exploiting pre-existing polarizations, including ethnic divisions, DEI, and trans-related policy.
Gilmore said that right-wing “grifters” and certain politicians who are opposed to things like men winning female sports competitions, are helping Russia.
“When we indulge in divisive, conspiratorial and often hateful rhetoric, we are doing Russia a favour,” she told committee members.
“Because a society that doesn’t believe in institutions, in science, in journalism, in the validity of experts, and the value of taking care of each other and the importance of a shared reality, is a society where democracy and stability is under threat,” she read from her prepared statement.
Gilmore further told politicians engaged in such rhetoric to “consider what it means that Russia engages in the same tactics when it tries to undermine our democracy.”
She added: “Don’t make it easier for them.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently tabled legislation, now passed, which will make it illegal for doctors to prescribe puberty blockers to youth and kids under 16 years old. Gilmore has been a vocal critic of Premier Smith’s trans-related policies, suggesting they are anti-science.
The TikToker is well-known among supporters of the Freedom Convoy as the reporter who smeared protesters in an article titled “Far-right groups hope trucker protest will be Canada’s ‘January 6th.'”
Gilmore’s article came just a day after now uncovered text messages were exchanged between the PMO and Public Safety Liberal staffers, revealing a scheme — which was approved by their bosses (Trudeau) — to disparage the Freedom Convoy protesters before they had even arrived in Ottawa.
“Apparently Global and others are working on stories. Let’s see how those land…” one staffer said.
