World Headlines: What can Canada do about disinformation and conspiracy theories?

First Up

By Manuela Vega

Good morning. Here’s the latest on the impact of disinformation on Canada, who qualifies for a mortgage and continued delays at major airports.

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federal politics

What can Canada do about the rise in disinformation and conspiracy theories?

Jagmeet Singh facing death threats. An old image of Justin Trudeau presented as if it was taken on his trip to Ukraine. Conspiracies linking Conservative leadership candidates to the World Economic Forum. These are all examples of how misleading content is plaguing the country — and they offer a glimpse of the far-reaching effects that experts say could undermine Canadian democracy. Other countries are already tackling disinformation head-on. Here’s how politicians in Canada are approaching the problem.

The aftermath: Calls for his death were hurled at Singh, on top of “traitor” chants, by protesters during a stop in Peterborough. “Polarization and disinformation” were at the root, Singh said.
The Star’s take: The harassment Singh faced in Peterborough is a warning that incendiary rhetoric has real-world effects.

R.J. Johnston/The Star

real estate

Canada’s bank regulator is hinting it could change the mortgage “stress test” rules sooner than later

Although it’s a move that would typically come in December, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions suggested it could make “adjustments” to its mortgage qualifying rate — which determines who meets the financial threshold to buy a home — before the end of the year. Toronto’s housing market reached a scorching average selling price of $1.33 million in February, but that number has dropped to $1.25 million thanks to increased interest rates slowing sales. Here’s why some believe it’s time the regulator softens the stress test.

Why it matters: “The stress test has pushed a lot of would-be homebuyers out of the market,” said a Toronto broker.
The aftermath: Here’s how Toronto’s real estate agents are managing expectations in the cooling market.
Interactive: How have home prices changed in your GTA neighbourhood? Use our map to find out.

Richard Lautens/The Star

travel

Long airport lines might only get worse

Booking that vacation for later in the summer may not spare you from hours-long airport lines — delays at major Canadian airports could possibly worsen in the coming months. Most of the blame is being placed on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, which appears to have been ill-prepared for increased demand for travel, and is seeing trained staff leave in the face of high stress and low wages. Making matters worse, union officials are warning that without better pay and working conditions, a strike could be in the works. Here’s what you need to know.

The aftermath: The GTA’s airports authority is calling on the government to reduce public health requirements for inbound travellers and invest in staff and technology.

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POV

Steve Russell/The Star

Private security guards won’t stop homelessness in Toronto — homes will.

CLOSE-UP

Richard Lautens/The Star

MAPLE LEAF SQUARE: Watching from the fan zone outside Scotiabank Arena, 18-year-old Alessia Ruta wasn’t the only Leafs fan overcome with the stress as her team’s lead slipped away during third period action in Tampa Thursday night. The Maple Leafs could have ended their series with the Tampa Bay Lightning with a win, but after a loss in the OT thriller they’ll have to face the Lightning again Saturday for Game 7.

Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at firstup@thestar.ca. I’ll see you back here tomorrow.

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