The Conservative Party of Canada has found itself in a tight spot after the abrupt removal of Mark McKenzie, the candidate for the Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore riding, following the resurfacing of controversial comments he made two years ago. McKenzie, a city councillor and former radio personality, was dropped from the party’s candidate list after a podcast recording emerged where he expressed support for public hangings and suggested that former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deserved the death penalty.
According to a spokesperson for the Conservative Party, "The comments are clearly unacceptable. Mr. McKenzie will not be the Conservative candidate." This statement was made public as the party scrambled to distance itself from the fallout of McKenzie’s remarks, which have raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among voters.
CTV News first reported on the podcast, which aired on February 18, 2022, during an episode of the Mark and Chris Podcast. In this episode, McKenzie discussed the Freedom Convoy protest, a significant event in Canadian political discourse. He stated, "I’m also in favour of public hangings. I think they need to bring that back," adding, "I want the public hanging because it’s longer." His comments didn't stop there; he also expressed a desire to reinstate the electric chair, saying, "I think they should bring back the electric chair as well, but again, only if you’re like a million per cent positive."
In a particularly troubling segment, McKenzie lumped Trudeau in with notorious serial killers such as Paul Bernardo, Charles Manson, and Jeffrey Dahmer, stating, "Just f****** kill that guy. Why are my tax dollars going to keep that guy alive?" His remarks were made in a joking manner, which has led to further criticism about the appropriateness of such comments from a political candidate.
The fallout from McKenzie’s comments comes at a sensitive time for the Conservative Party, which is gearing up for a federal election scheduled for April 28, 2025. Liberal Leader Mark Carney had called for a snap election on March 23, heightening the stakes for all candidates involved.
McKenzie’s comments have not only drawn ire from the public but have also overshadowed recent controversies involving other political figures. For instance, Liberal MP Paul Chiang recently resigned amid an RCMP investigation into his remarks suggesting a Conservative rival be reported to the Toronto Chinese Consulate due to a bounty on him in Hong Kong. Chiang has since apologized for his comments, which he called "deplorable," but the damage to his political standing was done.
In the wake of McKenzie’s removal, many within the Conservative Party expressed disappointment over the leadership’s decision to bypass the traditional nomination process in appointing him as the candidate for a riding held by the Liberal incumbent, Irek Kusmierczyk. This decision has led to internal discussions about the party's candidate selection process and how to avoid similar controversies in the future.
As of Tuesday morning, April 1, 2025, McKenzie was no longer listed as a candidate on the Conservative Party's website, a move that underscores the seriousness with which the party is treating the situation. Some staff at McKenzie’s campaign office appeared to be in denial about the news, insisting that it was not yet official or verified, even as the party took steps to distance itself from him.
Political analysts suggest that McKenzie’s comments could have far-reaching implications for the Conservative Party as it heads into the upcoming election. With the party already facing challenges in appealing to a diverse voter base, McKenzie’s remarks may alienate potential supporters and give ammunition to their rivals.
Moreover, the incident raises questions about the vetting process for candidates within the Conservative Party. Critics argue that the leadership should have been more diligent in screening candidates for past controversial statements, especially in the current political climate where social media can amplify negative sentiments rapidly.
As the dust settles on this controversy, the Conservative Party must now find a suitable replacement for McKenzie, who was seen as a key figure in their campaign strategy for Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore. The party's leadership is under pressure to select a candidate who can effectively represent the party's values while avoiding the pitfalls that led to McKenzie’s downfall.
With the election date fast approaching, the Conservatives will need to act quickly to restore confidence in their campaign and ensure that they can present a united front to voters. The recent controversies highlight the delicate balance political parties must maintain between free speech and the responsibilities that come with public office.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The political landscape in Canada remains dynamic, and how parties navigate controversies like this one will likely play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the upcoming election.
