A new essay by Barry Cooper examines why trust in government and media is plummeting
A new essay by University of Calgary political scientist Barry Cooper examines why trust in government and media is declining in Canada. The essay, Fictions, Lying, and the Context of Canadian Politics Today, published by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy, argues that a growing disconnect between government messaging and public perception is fueling skepticism toward federal institutions.
Recent polling reflects concerns over public trust. A 2024 Ekos poll found that 51 per cent of Canadians do not trust the federal government, a figure that rises to 64 per cent in Alberta. A separate CRTC report found that 32 per cent of Canadians trust mainstream media, with that number dropping to 24 per cent in Alberta.
 Fifty-one percent of Canadians – 64 per cent in Alberta – don’t trust the federal government. |
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Cooper highlights several government actions that he argues have contributed to this trend, including spending policies, media regulations, and responses to public dissent. Among the examples he examines:
- The ArriveCAN app, initially projected to cost $80,000, ultimately exceeded $60 million.
- Government spending on third-party consultants more than doubled to $16.4 billion by 2022.
- Media regulations such as Bills C-11 and C-18, which critics say restrict independent journalism, while supporters argue they ensure fair compensation for Canadian news outlets.
One of the most debated measures Cooper discusses is the Online Harms Act, also known as Bill C-63. Introduced in early 2024, the legislation proposed new restrictions on online content and allowed courts to issue preventive orders, such as curfews and electronic monitoring, for individuals deemed at risk of committing online hate speech. The government defended the bill as a tool to combat extremism, while critics warned it could limit free expression and expand government oversight of digital platforms.
With Parliament prorogued on Jan. 6, 2025, Bill C-63 is no longer under consideration. The government had begun revising the bill in December 2024 following public criticism, but prorogation terminated all government bills that had not received Royal Assent. Any future version of the legislation would need to be reintroduced when Parliament reconvenes next month. It remains unclear whether the next government will prioritize reviving the bill, given Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation and the ongoing Liberal leadership race.
Cooper also explores concerns over foreign interference, particularly allegations of election meddling by China and India. Intelligence reports suggest China attempted to influence Canadian elections, though the federal government has been reluctant to disclose further details. In contrast, Ottawa moved quickly in 2024 to expel six Indian diplomats over similar allegations. Cooper raises questions about whether political considerations have influenced how these cases were handled.
The federal government’s use of emergency powers during the 2022 Truckers’ Convoy protests is another focus of Cooper’s analysis. Ottawa invoked the Emergencies Act, citing national security concerns. While government officials argued the measure was necessary to restore order, some legal experts and political commentators have suggested it set a precedent for handling future demonstrations.
Beyond individual policies, Cooper’s essay suggests declining trust in government and media reflects broader shifts in Canadian political culture. He argues that increasing public skepticism, coupled with the rise of alternative media, could influence calls for government accountability in the years ahead.
With Parliament set to return next month and a leadership transition underway, questions remain about whether the federal government will take steps to address public concerns or if skepticism toward institutions will continue to grow.
| News Desk
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