Maxime Bernier decries ‘woke ideology’ at campaign stop in Dartmouth
People’s Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier made a campaign stop in Dartmouth, N.S., where he strongly criticized what he referred to as “woke ideology” and expressed his concerns about the direction Canada is heading in. Speaking at a news conference on the Dartmouth waterfront, Bernier emphasized one of the core pillars of the PPC platform: putting an end to what he perceives as divisive and harmful “woke” policies.
One of the specific policies he vowed to abolish is the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military. Bernier accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of undermining the Canadian Forces by imposing what he called “insane woke ideology” on the military. He particularly criticized vaccination requirements that led to the dismissal of nearly 300 service members, as well as diversity hiring quotas.
Despite efforts by the Canadian military and Department of National Defence to address historical barriers to recruitment and retention of women, visible minorities, and Indigenous individuals, Bernier argued that there has been little progress in increasing diversity within the military ranks.
Accompanied by PPC candidates running in the Halifax area, Bernier affirmed his party’s commitment to fielding a full slate of candidates for the upcoming election. This will mark Bernier’s third general election as a PPC candidate in Beauce, the Quebec riding he previously represented as a Conservative MP before parting ways with the party following his loss in the 2018 leadership race.
According to CBC’s poll tracker, the PPC currently holds a distant sixth place with approximately two percent of the projected vote share. Bernier’s key campaign promises revolve around pausing immigration, dismantling “woke” policies, stimulating the economy through spending cuts, and implementing national security measures.
During his speech, Bernier warned that failure to enact the PPC platform could lead Canada into a downward spiral. He urged supporters to back PPC candidates nationwide, emphasizing the party’s distinct stance on critical issues for the country’s future prosperity.
Despite facing accusations of aligning with far-right extremist groups, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bernier and the PPC have consistently denied welcoming individuals with extreme views into the party. Despite receiving five percent of the national vote in the 2021 federal election, the PPC has yet to secure a parliamentary seat.
