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What academics are calling a Russia-backed propaganda campaign targeted last month’s Canadian election, focusing on divisive topics including an Alberta secession movement.

Sputnik, a news agency sponsored by the Russian government and cited by the New York Times of engaging in sharing disinformation, sent a correspondent to Canada to cover some aspects of the country’s 43rd general election.

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tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Canada, Wexit, and the federal election targeted in Russian disinformation campaign, academics say Back to video

One such article, released the day before the Oct. 21 election that saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau retain office via a minority Parliament, highlighted a separatist movement led by Albertan Peter Downing dubbed Wexit.

Marcus Kolga, a Canadian expert in Russia and disinformation, said it was an article likely commissioned by the Russian government.

“These are agencies that are directly linked to the Kremlin — and if they’re linked to the Kremlin, they’re directly linked to Vladimir Putin and the president’s office in Russia,” said Kolga.