People's Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier made a campaign stop on Monday, March 31, 2025, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where he condemned what he described as "woke ideology" and warned that Canada is on the brink of going "down the drain." This event marked Day 9 of the federal election campaign, and Bernier used the opportunity to outline one of the key pillars of the PPC platform: the elimination of policies he categorizes as "woke."
During a news conference held on the scenic Dartmouth waterfront, Bernier specifically targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies within the Canadian military. He asserted, "[Justin] Trudeau did everything he could to destroy our proud Canadian Forces by imposing his insane woke ideology on the military." This statement reflects his ongoing criticism of the current government's approach to military diversity initiatives.
Bernier did not shy away from addressing the controversial vaccination requirements that led to the release of nearly 300 service members. He also denounced what he termed "diversity hiring quotas" as detrimental to the military's operational effectiveness. His remarks come in the context of a report from the military ombudsman, which indicated that despite various initiatives aimed at improving recruitment and retention of women, visible minorities, and Indigenous people over the past two decades, the military still predominantly comprises white males. The ombudsman noted in 2022 that there has been little progress in increasing diversity.
Accompanied by PPC candidates Ryan Slaney and Michelle Lindsay, who are contesting seats in the Halifax area, Bernier emphasized that his party has nominated candidates in 10 of the 11 ridings in Nova Scotia. He assured supporters that the PPC would have a full slate of candidates ready for the upcoming election on April 28, 2025. This will be Bernier's third general election as a PPC candidate in Beauce, Quebec, the riding he previously represented as a Conservative MP before parting ways with the party after losing the 2018 leadership race to Andrew Scheer.
As of the latest updates from CBC's poll tracker, the PPC is currently in a distant sixth place, with around two percent of the projected vote share. Despite this, Bernier remains steadfast in his campaign promises, which include pausing immigration, abolishing "woke" policies, boosting the economy through spending cuts, and implementing robust national security measures.
In his address, Bernier warned that if the PPC platform is not enacted in the near future, Canada risks heading "down the drain." He expressed a clear distinction between his party and the Liberals and Conservatives, stating, "We are so different than the Liberals and the Conservatives on the most important issues for the future of this country. If you believe in this country, if you want to have a prosperous country, you need to support our candidates here in Nova Scotia and all across the country."
However, Bernier's campaign has not been without controversy. He has faced accusations of appealing to far-right, conspiratorial racists, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, he appeared on conspiracy theorist Alex Jones's podcast, stirring further debate about the PPC's ideological stance and the types of individuals it attracts. The party has publicly denied that those with extreme views are welcome within its ranks.
In the 2021 federal election, the PPC garnered five percent of the national vote but has yet to secure a seat in Parliament. As the election date approaches, Bernier's rhetoric continues to resonate with a segment of the electorate dissatisfied with the mainstream political parties.
As the PPC pushes forward with its campaign, the party's focus on dismantling "woke" policies and promoting a more traditional view of Canadian identity will likely be central to its appeal. The upcoming election will serve as a critical test for Bernier and his party, as they aim to translate their platform into tangible electoral success.
