A new controversy has erupted over CTV News recent choice for election “fact checker.”
Critics allege that Rachel Gilmore, who gained notoriety online, is more of a conspiracy theorist than a journalist.
Prominent commentator Jonathan Kay ignited the debate on social media.
Kay pointed to Gilmore’s past claims that “convoy truckers tried to burn down an Ottawa apartment building,” citing tweets in which she described fire-starter bricks being lit in a lobby.
“One of them taped up the door handles so no one could get in or out,” tweeted Gilmore, prompting accusations of spreading unfounded rumours.
Gilmore rose to public attention when she covered the Freedom Convoy protests.
She often used anonymous sources and shared alarming anecdotes on platforms like TikTok.
Her repeated use of rumours showed she blurred the line between verified news and personal speculation.
Her focus on alleged “far-right extremism” relies heavily on guilt by association.
Despite the backlash, Gilmore has attracted a sizable online following, particularly among younger audiences.
Yet doubts persist about whether CTV News made the right call in enlisting her as a “fact checker.”
