The City of Sherbrooke is a pioneer in Canada as it launches the country’s very first Anti-Rumours Strategy, designed to actively combat racism, discrimination, and misinformation about cultural diversity. This initiative, implemented with the involvement of a dozen participants from various backgrounds, marks a major step forward towards creating more inclusive and prejudice-free communities.
The Intercultural Cities’ Anti-Rumours approach, developed and implemented originally in Barcelona, is based on municipal collaboration, strategic communication, and the development of critical thinking skills. It makes it possible to identify rumours, understand their socio-cultural roots, and provide people with the tools to counter misinformation. Its methodology offers municipalities and organisations concrete tools for developing public policies that are sensitive to intercultural dynamics, while strengthening the collective capacity to deconstruct prejudices and foster social cohesion.
Supported by the Laboratory for Research in Intercultural Relations and several local partners, Sherbrooke’s key actors are adapting this internationally recognized approach, while focusing on citizen mobilisation and strong local roots.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Mayor of Sherbrooke, states: “The spread of rumours and false ideas has real effects in our communities. They undermine community relations, fuel mistrust and may encourage discriminatory discourse. The Anti-Rumours Strategy is designed to provide each environment with trained representatives who are able to take action on the ground to help deconstruct these prejudices. By focusing on citizen mobilisation and a strong local foundation, Sherbrooke is equipping itself with a powerful tool to counter misinformation and reinforce social cohesion.”
The Intercultural Cities Programme extends its warmest congratulations to Sherbrooke and to all participants for their commitment and exemplary leadership in the implementation of this innovative strategy, which will undoubtedly become a source of inspiration for other cities across the country.
