Former Global News reporter Rachel Gilmore appeared before a House of Commons committee to address Russian interference and disinformation campaigns. Gilmore described the issue as “an incredibly important topic,” adding, “I have some strong feelings about it.” “To start, I’m sure you all remember the Freedom Convoy,” said Gilmore during her speech on Tuesday at a meeting of the House of Commons Public Safety and National Security Committee.
“As part of my reporting at the time, I joined several Telegram channels and groups where organisers and supporters shared everything from planning details to fringe conspiracy theories.” She pointed out that few might have realised Russia invaded Ukraine just days after the Freedom Convoy.
“It was an intriguing time to be monitoring those Telegram channels because, all of a sudden, the ones that had been focused on the Convoy and COVID—groups with tens of thousands of members already inclined to distrust experts, government, media, and institutions—shifted to discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Often, they claimed the invasion was justified for reasons the government and mainstream media supposedly wouldn’t tell you,” she explained.
Canadian entrepreneur Karl Harrison criticised Gilmore, calling her remarks foolish. “This idiot really knows how to make a complete fool of herself,” Harrison said. Acceptable Views publisher Alexander Brown also weighed in, referencing comparisons to User Mag publisher Taylor Lorenz. “Did we really need to import the Canadian version of this to Parliament?” Brown said.
In 2022, Gilmore stated that she does not take directives from the Canadian government on what to write.
Who is Rachel Gilmore?
Born on 19 May 1994 in Ottawa, Canada, Rachel Gilmore is an accomplished journalist and social media personality. A graduate of Carleton University with high distinction in 2016, she began her career with an internship at the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in Ottawa. Later, she gained valuable experience producing the political affairs programme “Power Play” for CTV in 2018. Fluent in both English and French, she has used her skills to cover a range of national and international issues.
Gilmore rose to prominence during her tenure at Global News, particularly as the face of the outlet’s TikTok account. Her engaging approach to journalism contributed to Global News amassing over 310,000 followers on the platform. Throughout her career, she has covered various topics, including the deportation of professional tennis player Novak Djokovic from Australia in 2022, showcasing her ability to report on diverse and complex issues.
In March 2023, Gilmore announced her departure from Global News, a decision that sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Despite leaving traditional media, she has maintained a strong presence on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where she continues to engage with a significant audience. Her work on these platforms demonstrates her ability to adapt to the evolving media landscape and reach younger demographics with critical information.
Gilmore’s testimony before the House of Commons committee reflects her enduring commitment to journalistic integrity. Her work consistently highlights key issues affecting Canadian society, from technology and politics to social matters. By addressing the threat of foreign interference, Gilmore emphasised the critical role of independent journalism in fostering transparency and accountability in governance.
As a journalist dedicated to shedding light on significant issues, Rachel Gilmore has left an indelible mark on Canadian media. Her testimony and ongoing contributions to public discourse underscore her unwavering commitment to informing and empowering the public.
