CBC Radio's The House: How the World Economic Forum became the target of a global conspiracy theory
CBC Radio | Posted: September 3, 2022 8:00 AM | Last Updated: September 3, 2022
Here is what's on this week's episode of The House
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Caption: Workers set the stage prior to the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on May 22, 2022. The WEF has become the target for widespread conspiracy theories that claim it is trying to construct an authoritarian, socialist world government. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP, File)
Media Audio | CBC News: The House : How the World Economic Forum became the target of a global conspiracy theory
Caption: Adrian Monck, managing director of the World Economic Forum, discusses how his organization became the target of conspiracy theories. Diversity and Inclusion Minister Ahmed Hussen talks about the government’s decision to cut funding to a group linked to hateful comments. Plus — former premiers Kathleen Wynne and Christy Clark share their experiences of intimidation and threats, and our summer series wraps up with a trip to Alberta to talk with CPC MP Laila Goodridge.
World Economic Forum says conspiracy theories 'poisoning' public debate
The World Economic Forum — best known for its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, where some of the world's most powerful people in business and politics rub shoulders — is no stranger to criticism. But in in recent years, the organization has become the target of widespread conspiracy theories. Chief among them: that the forum is trying to launch an authoritarian, socialist world government through a plan called "The Great Reset."
Prominent Conservatives have also taken aim at organization. Conservative leadership frontrunner Pierre Poilievre has said that, should he form a government, his ministers would not be allowed to attend the yearly meeting. Adrian Monck, a managing director at the World Economic Forum, joins The House to talk about the origins of anti-WEF conspiracy theories and what Canadian politicians can do to stop their spread.
Media Audio | CBC News: The House : World Economic Forum denounces conspiracy theories “poisoning” public debate
Caption: Adrian Monck, a managing director at the World Economic Forum, discusses the origins of how his organization has become the target of widespread conspiracy theories.
Minister discusses decision to cut funding for group linked to racist views
The federal government has cut funding to an organization that has "demonstrated xenophobia, racism and antisemitism," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Questions remain, however, about how the money made its way to the Community Media Advocacy Centre in the first place and how long the minister responsible knew about the situation before the story broke.
Diversity and Inclusion Minister Ahmed Hussen joins The House to explain what he is doing to make sure similar mistakes can be avoided in the future.
Media Audio | CBC News: The House : Minister responds to controversy over anti-racism funding for group espousing racist views
Caption: Diversity and Inclusion Minister Ahmed Hussen talks about how the federal government ended up granting money to the Community Media Advocacy Centre and what he is doing to make sure similar mistakes can be avoided in the future.
In the final instalment of our Backbenchers' Backyards series — where we meet members of Parliament at home in their ridings — The House travels to Fort McMurray-Cold Lake to meet rookie Conservative MP Laila Goodridge.
Media Audio | CBC News: The House : Backbenchers’ backyards: CPC MP Laila Goodridge
Caption: In the final instalment of our Backbenchers’ Backyards series, meeting members of Parliament at home in their ridings, The House travels to Fort McMurray-Cold Lake to meet rookie Conservative MP Laila Goodridge.
Former premiers speak out about harassment of female politicians
An incident last week which saw Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland verbally berated during a trip to Grande Prairie, Alta. sparked an outpouring of similar stories from other politicians about their experiences of intimidation and threats.
Former premiers Kathleen Wynne of Ontario and Christy Clark of British Columbia tell host Catherine Cullen what happened to them and how the problem might be addressed.
Media Audio | CBC News: The House : Former premiers speak out about the harassment of female politicians
Caption: Kathleen Wynne, former premier of Ontario, and Christy Clark, former premier of British Columbia, share their experiences of intimidation and threats while in office.