Canadian Premier used website with antisemitic tropes as a source in her newsletter

It has been revealed that the Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta, Danielle Smith, has on two occasions this past year included links in her online newsletter to a blog that has been accused of being a source of antisemitic tropes.

Writing in an April newsletter about the possibility of a digital currency being used by central banks, Ms Smith said that she was “not sure yet” if such a move would be good for Canada which was “why I am following this closely.”

She then linked to an article from the blog in question.

On another occasion, while discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, she again linked to the site.

The website, which has been accused of featuring antisemitic posts, has posted content such as: “I define Rothschild Zionism in its present incarnation as the amalgamation of Wall Street (global Jewish banking mafia families) and the Israel Lobby, along with their affiliated organisations, agencies, think-tanks, spy networks, corporations, and agents.”

An unnamed individual associated with the blog told Canadian broadcaster CBC that labelling the blog as antisemitic was an attempt to shut down an “open discussion.”

Michael Mostyn, CEO of B’nai Brith Canada, said the blog was a known provider of antisemitic tropes and “wild conspiracy theories.”

Mr Mostyn added that Ms Smith may not have been aware of all of the contents, but “anybody would say” this was something that she should be distanced from.

“This is not content that should have been shared, certainly by anybody who was also seeking higher office,” he said. “But now that she is premier, I think she owes it to Albertans to distance herself from this blog.”

A spokesperson from the Premier’s office has since said that Premier Smith condemned all expressions of antisemitism, adding that “this hatred has no place in society.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism reports on news and incidents relating to antisemitism throughout Canada, which have dramatically increased according to a recent audit.