Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News personality known for his provocative rhetoric and conspiracy theories, made a noteworthy appearance in Calgary, Alberta, where he shared the stage with Premier Danielle Smith, a libertarian-leaning political figure. Carlson, addressing a sold-out crowd, expressed his appreciation for Canada while referencing his distant Canadian heritage.
This event marked a significant departure from Carlson’s previous rhetoric, where he once called for Americans to “liberate” Canada from Justin Trudeau’s leadership. However, on this occasion, he found common ground with Smith, who has been vocal about her admiration for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his approach to freedom.
The conversation between Carlson and Smith took place in front of an audience that responded with cheers to mentions of oil and gas, while booing references to the CBC, Trudeau, and transgender issues. Carlson’s remarks included casual homophobia and claims about Canada’s immigration policies, notably promoting the unfounded “great replacement theory.”
Carlson, known for spreading misinformation in the United States, extended his dubious ideas to Canada, suggesting, among other things, that children in British Columbia were being given fentanyl, a claim not supported by evidence.
Before appearing with Smith, Carlson joined Jordan Peterson and Brett Wilson in an online discussion covering various right-wing topics, including environmental activist Greta Thunberg and transgender athletes in sports. Despite the initial focus on Alberta exceptionalism, the conversation echoed online talking points prevalent in right-wing circles.
Smith primarily focused her discussion with Carlson on energy issues, particularly addressing the recent challenges faced by Alberta’s electrical grid during extreme cold weather. While she resonated with some segments of the Alberta population, others protested her decision to share a stage with Carlson, feeling that it lent credibility to his controversial claims.
This event highlights the increasing polarization and spread of misinformation in Canada, as Carlson’s ideas found resonance among some attendees. As misinformation continues to influence political identities, the impact of such gatherings on public discourse remains a subject of concern.