Who is Maxime Bernier and What is the People’s Party of Canada?
🎧 Podcast Episode 189 with Maxime Bernier
Maxime Bernier is the leader and founder of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), a political party he established in 2018 after breaking away from the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC). Bernier, a former cabinet minister under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, founded the PPC on the belief that mainstream political parties had strayed from true conservative principles and were instead driven by political opportunism, polling, and focus groups.
The Origins of the People’s Party of Canada
The PPC was formed as an alternative to the CPC, which Bernier claims is no longer a true conservative party. He argues that Pierre Poilievre, the current leader of the CPC, is a “globalist” akin to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Bernier states that the CPC prioritizes electability over ideological integrity, watering down policies to appeal to the broadest audience rather than standing firm on conservative principles.
The PPC first ran candidates in the 2019 federal election and has since positioned itself as a populist, nationalist alternative to both the Liberal and Conservative parties. Bernier and his supporters believe they offer a voice to Canadians who feel alienated by mainstream politics.
Key Differences Between the PPC and the Conservative Party
According to Bernier, the PPC differs from the CPC in several fundamental ways:
No Polling, No Focus Groups: Unlike the CPC, which Bernier claims tailors its policies based on polling and focus groups, the PPC adheres to a consistent platform based on principles, regardless of shifting public opinion.
Immigration Moratorium: The PPC proposes a temporary pause on immigration, arguing that mass immigration is economically and socially damaging to Canada.
Social Conservatism and Cultural Issues: Bernier criticizes “woke ideology” and the inclusion of gender identity in school curriculums, calling it “indoctrination.” He advocates for legislation preventing minors from undergoing gender-affirming medical procedures.
Climate Policy: The PPC rejects the idea of a climate emergency, promising to withdraw Canada from the Paris Agreement and halt subsidies for green energy initiatives.
Global Organizations: Bernier opposes Canada’s involvement in organizations like the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), arguing that they undermine Canadian sovereignty.
Defunding the CBC: Bernier argues that both CBC and Radio-Canada should be fully defunded, along with eliminating government subsidies to mainstream media.
Equalization Reform: He advocates for reducing equalization payments, which he believes unfairly benefit provinces like Quebec at the expense of Western Canada.
Bernier’s Stance on Key Issues
COVID-19 Response and Civil Liberties
Bernier was one of the most vocal opponents of COVID-19 lockdowns, vaccine mandates, and public health restrictions. He was arrested in 2021 for violating health orders while protesting against lockdowns. He claims the pandemic response was driven by fear, propaganda, and government overreach, rather than legitimate science. He argues that allowing open debate and discussion, rather than censorship, should have been the approach.
Foreign Policy and Canadian Sovereignty
Bernier takes a nationalist stance on foreign policy, emphasizing the need to withdraw from international agreements that he believes infringe on Canada’s independence. He has also advocated for revoking the Canadian citizenship of individuals he deems to be foreign terrorists, such as Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Economic Policy and Budget Management
Bernier criticizes government spending and proposes a dramatic reduction in Canada’s fiscal deficit. He supports cutting corporate welfare, reducing foreign aid, and implementing a flat tax for businesses. He argues that the CPC lacks a detailed plan for balancing the budget and that his party is the only one committed to serious fiscal conservatism.
The Future of the PPC
Bernier acknowledges that his party is still in its early stages, with limited electoral success so far. However, he views his movement as a long-term project aimed at reshaping Canadian conservatism. He expects Pierre Poilievre to win the next federal election but hopes that a stronger PPC presence will push Poilievre toward more right-wing policies.
Drawing comparisons to populist movements in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, Bernier believes that a “common sense revolution” is on the horizon in Canada. He calls on Canadians to vote with their convictions rather than strategically supporting the CPC out of fear of a Liberal victory.
Final Thoughts
The People’s Party of Canada, under Maxime Bernier’s leadership, presents itself as an unfiltered, principled alternative to mainstream political parties. Whether or not the PPC will gain a stronger foothold in Canadian politics remains uncertain, but Bernier remains committed to his long-term vision. With a focus on nationalism, individual freedom, and reducing government intervention, the PPC continues to challenge the status quo in Canada’s political landscape.
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