Sparsho Chakraborty

Canada is facing a serious public health issue, the return of diseases like measles that were once nearly eliminated. Many of these outbreaks are happening in communities where fewer people are getting vaccinated, often because they have been exposed to misinformation online. False or misleading claims about vaccines are spreading rapidly on social media, making people more hesitant to trust health advice and government programs. To address this the federal Immunization Partnership Fund requires the creation of a new division that focuses specifically on combating vaccine misinformation online. Instead of relying on social media companies alone, the division would be led by the government and work with trusted community voices, like community leaders and local organizations, to share accurate, culturally relevant information. It would also use artificial intelligence to help flag harmful content and track progress through clear performance goals. By reaching people directly in the digital spaces where misinformation spreads, this policy aims to rebuild public trust, improve vaccine confidence, and protect Canadians—especially children, from preventable diseases. This approach is practical, evidence-based, and builds on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disclaimer: The French version of this text has been auto-translated and has not been approved by the author.