People's Party vs. Conservative Party – What's the Difference?

Is the People's Party of Canada relevant?

With Canada's next federal election on the horizon, many voters are looking to understand the differences between the major right-leaning political parties: the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) and the People's Party of Canada (PPC).

In a recent interview, PPC leader Maxime Bernier outlined how he believes his party differs from the CPC under Pierre Poilievre. Here’s a breakdown of some key distinctions based on Bernier’s statements.

Origins and Ideological Approach

The Conservative Party of Canada has been one of the two dominant political parties in the country, frequently alternating power with the Liberal Party. Pierre Poilievre, the current leader, has positioned himself as a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, free speech, and opposition to what he calls the "woke agenda."

The People's Party of Canada, founded by Maxime Bernier in 2018 after he left the CPC, brands itself as a party of "true conservative values." Bernier claims that the CPC is "morally and intellectually corrupt," arguing that it prioritizes electability over conservative principles. According to Bernier, the PPC operates based on fixed ideological commitments rather than public opinion polls or focus groups.

Policy Differences

Bernier asserts that the PPC distinguishes itself from the CPC in several major policy areas:

• Immigration: The PPC supports a temporary moratorium on immigration, arguing that high levels of immigration are straining Canada’s economy and social fabric. The CPC, while advocating for changes to immigration policy, has not proposed an outright pause.

• Globalism and National Sovereignty: Bernier describes Poilievre as a "globalist" and criticizes the CPC’s support for international agreements such as the Paris Accord. The PPC advocates withdrawing from agreements like the UN Migration Pact and the World Health Organization, arguing that these commitments infringe on Canadian sovereignty.

• Transgender Issues and DEI Policies: The PPC opposes gender transition procedures for minors and rejects policies related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which Bernier claims are part of a "woke" ideology that is damaging Canadian institutions. The CPC, while critical of some DEI initiatives, has not made it a central focus of its platform.

• Carbon Tax and Climate Change: Both parties oppose the federal carbon tax, but Bernier claims that Poilievre still supports climate change policies such as green subsidies and emission reduction regulations. The PPC advocates withdrawing from climate agreements entirely, stating that there is "no climate emergency."

• Government Spending and Deficit Reduction: The PPC calls for balancing the federal budget within a single year by cutting foreign aid, corporate subsidies, and other government spending. While Poilievre has pledged to balance the budget, Bernier argues that the CPC has not provided concrete details on how quickly or aggressively it would do so.

• Equalization Payments: The PPC seeks to reform Canada’s equalization system, which redistributes wealth from richer provinces to poorer ones, arguing that it unfairly benefits Quebec and discourages economic growth in Western Canada. Bernier claims the CPC has not taken a strong stance on this issue.

Bernier’s Criticism of Poilievre

Throughout the interview, Bernier positioned Poilievre as a "career politician" who lacks real-world business experience. He claimed that the CPC leader is focused on electoral strategy rather than firm ideological commitments, stating that Poilievre tailors his policies based on polling data rather than principle. Bernier argued that PPC voters should not be concerned about splitting the conservative vote, as he believes Poilievre will win the next election regardless.

Electoral Prospects

The PPC has not won any seats in Parliament since its founding, though Bernier believes the party has grown in influence. He cited international movements, such as the rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and right-wing populist parties in Europe, as evidence that a "common-sense revolution" could come to Canada. Bernier acknowledged that his party’s success will take time but stressed that his focus is on shifting the political conversation rather than immediate electoral victories.

To Summarize

The debate between the CPC and PPC represents a broader discussion within Canada’s conservative movement about the balance between pragmatism and ideological purity. Bernier portrays the PPC as a party of unwavering conservative principles, while he characterizes the CPC as a party willing to compromise in order to secure power.

As Canada heads toward the next election, voters on the right will need to decide whether they prefer the PPC’s hardline approach or the CPC’s more mainstream conservative stance. Whether the PPC can translate its ideological commitment into electoral success remains to be seen, but its presence continues to challenge the traditional conservative establishment in Canada.

---

📢 Subscribe to my Substack for more in-depth conversations and exclusive analysis!