People's Party of Canada leader tours northeastern Ontario
Kicking off his 'Mad Max Northeastern Ontario' tour in Iroquois Falls, People's Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier addressed northerners Friday, calling for an end to COVID-19 lockdowns, political correctness and what he said are ineffective Liberal policies.
"I will give you more of your freedom and the People's Party of Canada, we have faith in people" Bernier said. "We have faith that you have the ability, the dignity and the right to make your own decisions."
Bernier told attendees he wants financial aid to other countries to stop, the Liberal carbon tax abolished and he said fossil fuel pipelines are crucial for the country.
He also expressed his belief in freedom of speech, including allowing the opinions of fringe political parties like his to be heard in mainstream media and represented in Parliament.
That notion had the support of many attendees of his northern rallies so far.
"I think maybe Maxime will be a change for the better," said Monique Gervais, who came out to Bernier's rally in Iroquois Falls.
"I agree wholeheartedly with what he has to say -- he speaks for me."
The controversial PPC party touts the traction it gained during the 2016 federal election, accumulating more than one per cent of the total vote.
Bernier doesn't expect to become prime minister in the next election – he's anticipating one in the fall -- but he is hoping to snag a few seats in Parliament.
So far, no PPC candidates have been announced in the northeast, but Bernier said several people have expressed interest in running for the party.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.