Bernier, the former MP of the riding of Beauce and cabinet minister in the Harper government formed the party in 2018 after his unsuccessful bid to be leader of the Conservative Party of Canada in 2017.

Bernier sat down with THE EQUITY for an interview before he . . .

gave a speech to about 50 people gathered at the venue.

“Our goal is to build the organization, find candidates and be sure that people understand what we want to do as a party,” said Bernier. “This party has been built on four principles: individual freedom, personal responsibility, respect and fairness.”

Bernier also said he is using the occasion to speak directly to people.

“I cannot count on the mainstream media, national mainstream media, ‘’ said Bernier. “They are canceling us. It is disappointing. But when I’m doing this tour, I can speak to the local mainstream media, a local radio station, and that’s what I’m doing because our goal is to promote the party.”

When asked if he has any specific message for the region or for Anglo Quebecers in general, Bernier said: “we’re not doing identity politics. And we are not pandering to any special interest group.”

In terms of policies, Bernier focused on opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, opposition to immigration, criticism to mainstream media, economic issues such as cutting government spending and getting rid of the supply management system and culture war issues surrounding what he termed as “wokism.”

“We must have fewer refugees, we must stop unification of family and if we are to have fewer immigrants, that’s our position. A maximum of 150,000 a year instead of 450,000,” said Bernier.

Bernier also weighed in on the current federal Conservative leadership race, specifically on Pierre Poilievre’s campaign, which touches on many of the same themes as he does. However, Bernier dismissed the similarities.

“He’s not speaking about immigration, he’s not speaking about not signing the Paris Accord, he is not speaking about saying no to the UN and the Global Compact on Migration, he is not speaking about renewing the equalization formula, ‘’ said Bernier. “It’s only a stump speech with buzzwords.”

Bernier says that regardless of who wins the Conservative leadership race, his party will continue to grow.

“At the first election, we spoke a lot about immigration,” said Bernier. “At the last election, I talked a lot about our freedoms and against the mandates. At the next election, I don’t know what the focus will be.”

Register or subscribe to read this content

Thanks for stopping by! This article is available to readers who have created a free account or who subscribe to The Equity.

When you register for free with your email, you get access to a limited number of stories at no cost. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access to everything we publish—and directly support quality local journalism here in the Pontiac.

Register or Subscribe Today!