The controversy over a series of now-removed billboards promoting PPC's anti-immigration agenda should serve as a warning of things to come, as increasing third-party election activity ushers in a new era of dark money, outside influence and disinformation.

People's Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier says he had nothing to do with the anti-immigration billboards featuring his picture. But the advertising firm that paid for them is linked to a company that hosted a fundraiser for him.

In recent weeks and months, yellow vest demonstrations across Canada have frequently attracted far-right extremists and hate groups through their Facebook groups. As Canada's federal election fast approaches ⁠— with all the fierce rhetoric that the campaign is sure to elicit ⁠— real-world consequences, which are already in evidence, could quickly pile up.

More work is needed to see if the social media platform’s fact-checking project is making the grade, according to a new transparency report.