Thank you very much, Chair.
In my remarks earlier, I mentioned how important it is for us as a committee to combat the threat and the danger of disinformation campaigns we've seen not just the opposition run but also foreign state actors take part in, whether through funding or through the creation of bots, etc.
I propose a motion to add onto the very important study by Mr. Villemure on the state of disinformation in our country and what it means to all of us and our safety and security.
I move:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(h), the committee immediately expand its study on misinformation and disinformation while focusing on foreign interference and domestic deception to investigate:
(a) The devastating impact of malicious, artificially generated online bots used by foreign and domestic actors. This includes Russia's propaganda machine to manipulate the public discourse and fake bot accounts claiming to have attended a rally held by the Leader of the Official Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, on July 31, 2024;
(b) Russian disinformation sites posting Canadian political content;
(c) Recent reports suggesting India may be using social media bots to interfere and wage “information warfare” against Canada to influence the upcoming Canadian elections; and
that the committee immediately devote the next three meetings to these critical matters and invite relevant witnesses to provide expert testimony on these subject matters. The committee shall then report its findings and recommendations to the House.
Chair, I'll say a few words on this motion.
I think the testimony we have heard—