Conservative Member of Parliament Maxime Bernier has quit the Conservative Party to start his own party:
The divorce between Mr. Bernier and the Conservative Party goes back to his ouster in June from his role as the innovation critic in Mr. Scheer’s shadow cabinet. The Quebec MP had alleged Mr. Scheer won the leadership in large part because he had the support of “fake Conservatives” set up by the dairy lobby.
Bernier’s departure stirred rage on one side for splitting the vote, accolades on the other side from a strong base that vowed to rally behind him. Bernier gave a statement on his website about why he opted to leave the Conservative Party. It contained a number of core differences of conviction and policy, but his issue relating to diversity, and which touches on the subject matter of Jihad Watch, was as follows:
Instead of leading as a principled Conservative and defending the interests of Canada and Canadians, Andrew Scheer is following the Trudeau Liberals….. The same thing happened in reaction to my tweets on diversity and multiculturalism…. Do we want to emphasize our ethnic and religious differences, and exploit them to buy votes, as the Liberals are doing? Or emphasize what unites us and the values that can guarantee social cohesion? Just like in other Western societies grappling with this issue, a large number of Canadians, and certainly the vast majority of Conservatives, are worried that we are heading in the wrong direction. But it’s not politically correct to raise such questions.
Maxime Bernier took issue with Trudeau’s brand of multiculturalism and sent out a tweet that got him into hot water. He expressed rational concerns about Trudeau’s “extreme Liberal multiculturalism.” He was chastised for it amid calls for his resignation. “My leader told me and every other Canadian that I don’t have any influence in the party,” Bernier said, referring to Scheer’s statement that Bernier didn’t speak for the Conservatives. Scheer released the statement after days of controversy over Bernier saying “more diversity” would destroy Canada.
The bizarre reaction to real Canadian concerns reflected just how far Canada has drifted into totalitarianism, thanks to the Liberal government of Canada. Fear is rampant — the fear of hurting the feelings of some immigrants, primarily Muslims. The “Islamophobia” battering ram is in full operation. Pluralism, open discussion, real dialogue and truth need to return to the public square. Identity politics has reigned supreme under the Trudeau government, and it is disconcerting now to see it under a Conservative umbrella. The Conservatives simply cannot afford to be so fearful as to “cave” to “Trudeau’s cult of diversity,” as Bernier was rightly trying to warn against. According to a Toronto Sun article, “Maxime Bernier tweet hardly warrants outrage,” but that’s exactly what it drew.
Bernier quit at a crucial time, as the Conservative Party of Canada’s National Policy Convention is coming up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Conservative Members of Parliament (MP’s) will plan campaign strategies leading up to Election 2019, and vote on national policies. Already it has been preceded by fireworks and party divisions, due to spats between Andrew Scheer and Bernier.
There are significant points from the Conservative Party of Canada National Policy Convention Package that look rather promising, but given the reaction to Bernier, can the Conservative Party of Canada live up to its own policy, or will it kowtow to “extreme Liberal multiculturalism”? Here are some key points taken from the National Policy Committee Convention package:
Freedom of Speech
“The Conservative Party recognizes freedom of speech is a hallmark of a free society. Compelled speech in any form is a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Individual freedoms of thought, belief, opinion, and expression supersede all compelled speech.”
Financing Terrorism
“Conservatives believe that any form of remuneration from our government never be paid to convicted terrorists. Canada must never finance terrorism directly nor indirectly.”
Charging Terrorism With Treason
“Canada must not be a safe haven for international terrorist operatives…. Canada should stand and support its allies by providing all necessary support to defeat the scourge of transnational terrorism….. terrorism can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving Canada’s active participation and collaboration with its allies. The Government of Canada shall use its military, law enforcement resources and intelligence agencies to prevent attacks, disrupt criminal networks, and cut off avenues of financing for increasingly determined and sophisticated terrorist groups and individuals.”
Immigration and Refugees
The Conservative platform stipulates its intention to restore a responsible immigration and refugee process:
“We believe the government should promote the integrity and fairness of our refugee determination system, and should ensure that decisions are made expeditiously and with respect for due process and the safety of Canadians.”
And an end to the free-for-all at Canada’s borders:
“The Conservative Party believes in stopping all illegal entries in Canada. To ensure the safety and the respect of our borders, the Party commits that a Conservative government will take the required steps to renegotiate the Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. to close the gaps relating to illegal entries in Canada.”
The National Policy Committee Convention Package is undoubtedly a positive one, but there are reasons for concern about whether the party is prepared to implement its own written policy: contrary to the reference to free speech as a “hallmark of a free society,” Scheer banned Rebel Media from sending any of its reporters to the Halifax Convention, while the most Conservative-critical leftist media are welcomed. Also among its exhibitors is “The Canadian Muslim Vote.” I received multiple emails, alarmed that this group was participating while Rebel Media was banned. On the Board of The Canadian Muslim Vote is Ingrid Mattson, whose reputation precedes her, but yet she still somehow is accepted into the Islamic mainstream in Canada, welcomed with open arms by Liberals and fearful Conservatives. I was unable to verify her attendance officially in Halifax, but via email (unverified), I was informed that she will be in attendance. In a National Post story about Mattson:
“Dr. Mattson was elected president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). This group has been described as a “key component of the [Saudi-sponsored] Wahhabi lobby”…… ISNA also was identified as an un-indicted co-conspirator in the 2007-2009 case of U.S. v. Holy Land Foundation, which involved the covert financing of the terrorist group Hamas…..She has been disturbingly equivocal about Wahhabism……In 2001, for instance, she told a CNN chat forum: “This is not a sect. It is the name of a reform movement that began 200 years ago to rid Islamic societies of cultural practices and rigid interpretation that had acquired over the centuries. It really was analogous to the European protestant reformation……”
The participation of The Canadian Muslim Vote is reason for prudent questions and discussion, but will such queries be met by the Conservative caucus majority with nervousness and accusations of “racism” and “Islamophobia”? Widespread apprehensions about “diversity” and “multiculturalism” have not arisen out of nowhere; they are the result of steady news about the proliferation of Wahhabi ideology, national divisions, Canada’s imposition of “anti-Islamophobia” motion M-103, which enables witch-hunts against those who criticize Islam, the threat posed by Islamic supremacists globally, and chaos across Europe as a result of suicidal immigration policies. The more discussion is forced underground in obedience to political correctness, the more tensions will arise.
It is too early to predict what direction the Conservative Party of Canada will take, and more importantly, where Canadians will place their trust on election day. Politicians are public servants, and before they speak, they should remember who put them in office. One thing is for certain: the Conservative Party of Canada needs to brush up on its commitment to traditional values as written in its policy package; otherwise, Maxime Bernier will be the new Donald Trump of Canada. Canada simply cannot afford to continue along the path of totalitarianism at the hands of a weak Conservative government, or a Liberal government with a leader who supports open borders and welcomes in Islamic State militants.
The former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Stephen Harper, tweeted:
“It is clear that Max never accepted the result of the leadership vote and seeks only to divide Conservatives. His decision today allows the Conservative Party of Canada to move forward united behind our Leader.”
One needs to remember that Harper did not have the open dissension in his ranks that is today present among the Conservatives; nor did he waver in his support for democracy, for Israel and for Conservative values. Under his leadership came the cutting-off of funds for the Canadian Arab Federation (CAF) and the International Relief Fund for the Afflicted and Needy-Canada (IRFAN).
Under the current Liberal government, however, CAF financing is now being restored at taxpayer expense. Harper’s government also introduced the Zero Tolerance Against Barbaric Practices Act, which drew much criticism for being unfriendly to “immigrants,”. The Harper government also shut down the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa. The Trudeau government has tried to restore diplomatic ties with Iran. The Iranian embassy was being used to “mobilize loyalists of Islamic Republic to infiltrate the Canadian Government and, some terrorism experts worried, attack the United States”; it had become infiltrated with Khamenei thugs who were being “hand-picked to infiltrate and influence the Canadian government’s image of the Islamic regime, thereby affecting the political decision-making process and affecting policies.”
In the memorable words of former Conservative Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird in a speech to the United Nations, with reference to “Canada’s values: freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law” post-9/11: “Canada does not just go along to get along.”
My own hope, which is shared by many, is that pride and self-interest will not prevail over the national interest. Bernier should be encouraged to return to the Conservative Party, since he accurately represents the Conservative voice on issues of “diversity” and “multiculturalism,” as well as on NAFTA. Canada needs open dialogue, pluralism (for which Islamic supremacists have no tolerance), unity, and a tough defense against Islamization and the increasing aggressiveness of jihadist interests.
“Maxime Bernier quits Conservatives to start new party,” by Laura Payton, CTV News, August 23, 2018:
OTTAWA — Maxime Bernier, the long-time Conservative MP with an equally long history of creating headaches for leaders of the current official opposition, is quitting the party to start his own libertarian version.
The rogue MP for Beauce, Que. announced Thursday that he’s leaving the Conservative Party of Canada after weeks of disputes with his colleagues over immigration and supply management, Canada’s price-support system for dairy and poultry farmers.
Bernier says the party has “all but abandoned its core conservative principles” and harshly criticized it for bowing to polls and focus groups in order to set policy.
“I am in politics to defend ideas – real conservative ideas – because I passionately care about the future of our country,” Bernier told reporters in Ottawa, adding that he isn’t convinced that party leader Andrew Scheer wouldn’t be a “more moderate” version of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were he to win next year’s federal election.
“I’ve come to realize this party is too intellectually and morally corrupt to be reformed,” he said.
Bernier says he wants to create a new party and is going to travel the country consulting conservatives. He says he hasn’t spoken recently to any of his former caucus colleagues, and that he last had a conversation with Scheer more than a week ago. It was after that conversation that he decided to start the new party, Bernier said.
“My leader told me and every other Canadian that I don’t have any influence in the party,” he said, referring to Scheer’s statement that Bernier didn’t speak for the Conservatives. Scheer released the statement after days of controversy over Bernier saying “more diversity” would destroy Canada, and after several Conservative MPs spoke out against Bernier.
Bernier will keep his seat in the House of Commons, and said he plans to run in the next election. He says he isn’t stepping down and will let voters in his riding decide whether they want an independent MP because it’s not him who changed.
“It’s the party who changed. I didn’t change. I’m the same guy. I believe in the same ideas,” he said.
He dropped the bombshell announcement in Ottawa just hours before his former colleagues were to meet in Halifax for the party’s biennial policy convention…..
Walter Sieruk says
This insidious and nonsensical and far -left philosophy of multiculturalism has spread and infected Canada along with the United States of America.. Such politically correct folly and irrational way of thinking is truly the essence of multiculturalism.
For in this twenty –first century “War of Ideals” since September 11, 2001 in this great and terrible conflict between the Judeo- Christian West and the Islamic East, the sad reality is that one of the things that is holding back much progress of the West is that many Westerners are infected by the worthless , sick and unrealistic philosophies which are called “Multiculturalism” and “Cultural Relativity.”
Which are the concept that all culture are equal because this C.R concept teaches the foolishness that all values derive their meaning within the specific social content. This folly of thinking leads, or misleads, many people to view every position as only “opinion” and that truth is only relevant to the person or society holding that view. In other words, discovering actual truth in impossible.
Theses philosophies of multiculturalism and cultural relativity are absurd, nonsensical and contradictory. For example, to say “finding the truth is impossible “Is a statement of contradiction. For in making that statement that is saying, in essence, “I have found the truth which is finding the truth is not possible.” It should be obvious that this “War of Ideas” needs to and should have a solidly based in and on truth and not by a worthless “war of opinions” A person who embraces multiculturalism and cultural relativity would say about a scholarly truth teller about Islam with its different kinds of jihad , as Pamela Geller, that she is only giving her “opinion” on the subject.
Such ignorance is appalling. Just look at history. If Americans had that MC and C.R. view ,as many Americans do today , then during World war II it would had been madness and a fools fight to go into battle against the military forces of Nazism if it was only just “opinion” that Hitler was wrong and evil. Likewise in this twenty-first century it would be nonsense, for example, for the US troops to fight and maybe even die in Afghanistan if it’s just “opinion” that the Taliban and Al Qaeda are wrong and evil.
Two other examples of the falseness of MC and C.R. with its teaching that everything is only “opinion.” First is in the elate 1970’s two guys said “There are so many different religions that no one can ever know the truth about religion.” They were really saying that statement so dogmatically that they were self-contradicting. For they were saying that they know the truth about religion that is not one can know the truth about religion. Second, a shallow man in the 1980’s said when asked the question “Why do you always small talk ? You don’t ever talk about a topic that might have some value, as politics? After all , all thing are related “ That shallow C.R man replied “There are so many different political ideas that finding the true one is unattainable and all thing are not related.” The wisdom-less man was saying that he obtained the truth which is the he can’t obtain the truth and who does can is really truthfully say that all thing are not related in he can’t find the truth. How foolish, an obvious contradiction. What is needed to counter this nonsense C.R./P.C. is the concept of “Absolutism.” Which a definition of this, with the scope of the topic, is “An absolute standard or principle .” In this “war of idea’s it’s the Bible with its absolute standards and principles to stand firm against Islam is its different types of jihad with its many evils. In conclusion, in this War of Ideas a firm foundation for truth may be found in the Bible and not the weak folly multiculturalism and cultural relativity in which everything is “opinion.”
.
James Lincoln says
Walter,
Interesting post. Regarding World War II, if the allied forces had had today’s mindset, it is doubtful that they would have beaten the axis powers.
And today we are at war with Islam…
Terry Gain says
Andrew Scheer is not my idea of a great leader but the overriding consideration for conservatives is to remain united in order to defeat Trudeau in October 2019.
Tony Porcaro says
The only thing Conservatives are united in is competing with the Liberals in showing how politically correct they can be; Bernier is quite right in calling them out on the party’s failure to really believe in the values they espouse; as it is it is nothing but lip-service and posturing in the hope of garnering votes from any and every special interest group willing to listen to their false promises; in other words they are following Trudeau and the Liberal playbook as much as the Liberals themselves; Scheer is a cowardly disingenuous leader who has been weak and ineffectual in opposition and who would reveal the same incompetence and failings if he ever became PM.
Andy says
+1
Terry, I agree with Tony on this one, but I understand your concern.
I do find Andrew Scheer is nothing but a reprehensible machiavelian.
Terry Gain says
The person with the most to gain from Bernier starting his own party is Justin Trudeau. I doubt it will happen but Bernier might drain enough votes away from the CPCs to ensure Trudeau’s reelection.
Considering that the reelection of Trudeau wil be a disaster for Canada, this is a very selfish move.
gravenimage says
Yes–I hope this does not split the conservative vote.
Dave says
Then you’ll get your version of “conservative” Theresa May or worse Begum Merkel . Good Luck !
Andy says
When I heard Maime Bernier talk about two weeks ago on the state of affairs in Canada, I got a jolt in my spirit, finally someone in Canada telling the truth.
The last time I felt that JOLT was when Donald J.Trump announced his candidacy for President of U.S.A. and we all know how that turned out.
Everyone was against Trump from the time he announced he was running for President, I DO MEAN EVERYONE!!! I think if Canadians are fed up enough they will go for an Independent. Remember Trump was NOT supposed to win, but he did. The same can happen to the Great White North.
Don’t give up the ship people, without a FIGHT!!!
I hope Canadians will massively turnout for Maime Bernier for Prime Minister, He is the right man at the right time for the job..
Andy says
CANADA IT IS YOUR TURN!
CANADIAN “DEPLORABLES UNITE”
Do you all remember this?
Stand up for your Country, Canadians!
Andy says
Canada’s Trump | Maxime Bernier
Andy says
Maxime Bernier: ‘I’m the real conservative’
True Conservatives should exit & support this new movement that is gaining massive support from the silent majority.
Andy says
The People are Rising
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UoQ87O21Rw
People All Over The World Join Hands Start a Bernier Train!
Renate says
I got rid of my T.V. and didn’t get another one because if I had to watch another 4 or 5 years of the CBC falling all over Trudeau, I just couldn’t take it. I miss Stephen Harper.
Andy says
I hardly (if ever) watch MSM TV. Renate.
Andy says
Also known as FAKE NEWS!
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
The worst was watching that disgusting, cloying limo ride that Mansbridge took with Trudeau.
Renate says
I’m with you, Andy and Flavius Claudius Iulianus. I might get another T.V. when the federal Conservatives are voted into power again or when the CBC is defunded. Until then, I just can’t watch MSM anymore.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
Watch your news on the internet:
http://www.ctvnews.ca (scroll down to the image of whichever talking-head is reading the CTV National News that night). Watch your local news by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on the suitable link for the local affiliate.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational (and click on the link “watch the national”)
The national is posted every day on youtube (put “CBC national” into the youtube search bar). CTV posts individual news stories on youtube every day.
Global has a national news but I don’t watch it much so I don’t know where to find it.
newswars.com and infowars.com
rt.com
breitbart.com
and you already know about the incomparable jihadwatch.
The list goes on and on and on … I’m sure you will find your favorite.
Renate says
Thanks, Flavius!
DogOnPorch says
Very disappointed in the Conservatives up here in Canada, Robert.
They banned Rebel Media from their convention. This banning and censoring has to stop.
Johnny Yuma says
If the step to ban Rebel Media isn’t a wake-up call for you then you are not a conservative.
Mary says
As a Canadian I hope that he has his own party ready for the election. I would vote for him.
Andy says
All Judeo-Christian Civilzation Heritage Countries need Patriot-Nationalists to be the leaders of their Countries now.
We need truthful leaders who will stand up and tell it like it is, THE TRUTH!
Anything less than that is suicide for any nation at this time in our history.
What we don’t need is Conservative leaders pandering and catering to special interest groups just to get elected.
Canadians have a unique voice now to stand up for them, If you don’t get on board the Bernier Train, you might ALL get left at the station of Trudeau for a very long time.
CANADIANS GET ON BOARD THE BERNIER TRAIN!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WkXNYe6q_Y
Dwight Hogg says
The problem Conservatives have is how successful Liberals have always been at smearing, character assassination and fear mongering. Two of the worst examples was when Shiela Copps smeared Preston Manning comparing him to David Duke, head of the KKK. And when Hedy Fry said that there were crosses burning on the lawns in Prince George B.C., which was another racist smear attempt that turned out to be a complete lie for which she had to apologize – but she never lost her job in the Liberal party and is still being elected. The Liberals have forever been smearing Conservatives as racist bigots and they have been getting away with it and winning elections. The Conservatives have to be careful that they do not say anything which can be twisted into a Liberal attack which they are so good at. This is what Canada has become – a place where the truth is unacceptable. As we have just seen Trudeau smearing Conservatives as fear mongering which is exactly what he and his apparatchiks are doing. To bring back or allow ISIS fighters back into Canada for reintegration says it all. And of course the $10.5 m he so eagerly paid to Omar Khadr reinforces Trudeau’s lack of any ethical values. Omar hardly even lived in Canada and was in the camp of Osama bin Laden with his terrorist father. If Canadians want to travel south for the winter they have to come back in 6 months or lose their medical coverage but the Khadr’s were able to commit terrorist acts for years and come back to Canada and receive surgery and medical treatment at anytime
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
Yes and Hedy is now on board with M-103 juggernaut. You keep seeing the same “usual suspects” over and over again.
tpog says
Well done, Maxine Bernier, you’ve given turdolt a huge advantage — lieberals must be jumping for joy. Agree with Bernie on immigration, but he should have stuck with the Conservatives and fought the issue out in caucus; Scheer is a fool for taking turdolt’s side on immigration and on other issues.
Was expecting ..slim justina to go to the people fairly soon taking advantage of Canadians feelings about the USA tariffs. Not. Necessary. Now. She can wait for the split in the Conservatives (echoes of PC/Reform yrs ago) to become solid and then go. Our dancing queen will then waltz up the middle and get 2nd and 3rd terms.
NOTE TO PRESIDENT TRUMP: can Canada become another state in the Union? its either that or, under the dolt, we’ll go from Canada to ISIC (has a nice ring to it, eh?).
Its extremely dangerous when an idiot is in control.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
“Its extremely dangerous when an idiot is in control.”
I’m assuming you are speaking of Trudeau.
Alberta United Conservative Leader Jason Kenney once said of Trudeau: from his experience, Trudeau struggles with nuanced political issues. “I worked with dozens of MPs in Ottawa, including [opposition] critics who were thoughtful, intelligent, engaged people with whom I had a constructive relationship. He [Trudeau] wasn’t one of them,” “I know Justin. He doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing. This guy is an empty trust-fund millionaire who has the political depth of a finger bowl. He can’t read a briefing note longer than a cocktail napkin, OK.”
Carol the 1st says
I wonder what that constant, dopey grin on Scheer’s face says about his character.
It reminds me of the saying “If you’re not worried, you’re not paying attention.”
Szeto Yiu says
Good for Maxime! I wish him every success in forming a new right of centre party! The Conservatives, under Harper, pandered to the ethnic vote while giving a different message to the mainstream of Canada. Jason Kenny, “The Minister of Curry in a Hurry” was an embarrassment. He messed up immigration as well as the foreign worker program. A good name for the new party would be “Patrimoine Canada Heritage”
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
Jason Kenney tried unsuccessfully to get the Conservatives to adopt the Liberal’s approach of getting votes by getting more immigrants. (For decades now, the Liberals have been known as the immigrant’s party) I was very relieved when he left to lead the Alberta Conservatives. By the way, see the comment above; I quote Jason.
infidel says
It was HIGH TIME I thought considering the destructive trajectory that Canada is taking on the path to its generational-cultural-suicide at the hands of Islam…I really believe that THERE SHOULD BE A F-ing coup against the Turd who is single-handedly ruining this great nation. And I’m also very worried for Trump. The Lib-jackals are calling for his impeachment and all the right thinking people in the USA should take up arms if it comes to that.. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.. Not all are prepared to live and die like Dhimmis
Tony Porcaro says
Well said!
Sovereign Man says
Scheer has stated that the M103 Sharia blasphemy law motion did not go far enough. He whines about all the discrimination against women in Canada (mindless SJW garbage) while supporting “multicultural,” AKA any culture but our own, and especially those who would chain up women and wrap them in burlap sacks.
Scheer was elected due to infiltration of the party by leftists from Eastern Canada, and sickening propaganda by the Media Party during the leadership convention.
A couple months ago I cut up my CPC membership and donor cards from the last decade and a half and mailed them back to Conservative HQ in one of their endless spam money raising return envelopes with the message that Scheer and the new CPC had rejected its own founding base, and that as long as Scheer was in, I was out.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
I didn’t know that Scheer said that M-103 didn’t go far enough. I was too busy tracking who vote which way to notice. Oops. Thanks. Good to know.
I think Scheer is nothing but a placeholder. He doesn’t seem to be very profound when it comes to politics and policy. As Max hinted, Scheer is probably there only to represent the farmer/dairy lobby (supply-management). Max, on the other hand, has a well thought out policy base.
Terry Gain says
Flavius
“I didn’t know that Scheer said that M-103 didn’t go far enough.”
………..
Sovereign Man is lying.
gravenimage says
As a Yank, I am *no* expert on Andrew Scheer.
But he does say he is voting against M-103 here:
https://www.facebook.com/AndrewScheerMP/posts/1450425458324535
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
gravenimage, you’re awesome.
Terry Gain says
Sovereign Man
“Scheer has stated that the M103 Sharia blasphemy law motion did not go far enough.”
You are a liar. Scheer called for a recorded vote and vote against M-103. His position is that no one should be discriminated against because of their religion and that everyone should be free to criticize any religion. His position is unassailable.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=unfFX3MjYCM
I am glad that you tore up your membership card. The last thing the party needs is liars.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
…. okay then …. moving right along …. that’s why I never heard him say that because it seems he didn’t.
I don’t back the Conservatives because they are presently controlled by the fiscal conservatives who, on social issues, are little more than Liberals. In fact, some of them are left of the NDP! Ambrose, who is now out of the leadership role was/is a strident feminist. And why is Chong in the Conservative party? He’s clearly NDP or Liberal in his policy choices.
I certainly won’t support them seeing how they marginalized the social conservative leadership contenders. Trost has a lawsuit underway against the party. Leitch went back to her MD practice after the party kept her out of the decision making process and after being smeared by our wonderful media. All this and more makes me think that right now the party is little more than a false-front with a placeholder at its head.
If the leadership and Scheer were smart they would extend an olive branch to Bernier and mend some fences with other social conservatives. But I don’t see that happening. It wouldn’t be PC.
The next few months will tell. Max is very popular and a dynamite fundraiser. If we see a few big names go over to Max’s ranks, it may trigger a stampede to Max’s new party. Then you would see a replay of the the Reform Party merger dance.
Terry Gain says
There won’t be a stampede. Bernier is delusional. He should grow up and acknowledge that he lost the leadership race to Scheer.
The Media supports Trudeau. The average person pays little attention to politics. We need a united party to defeat Trudeau.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
Yours is the more likely scenario. We’ll see how it pans out.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
Excellent background and analysis, Christine!
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
“According to a Toronto Sun article, “Maxime Bernier tweet hardly warrants outrage,” but that’s exactly what it drew.”
In this world of MSM spin, bias and highly editorialized news one must look for the source of that spin. In the case of the Toronto Sun we only have to note the name Adrienne Batra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrienne_Batra) the editor-in-chief. She is the paper’s spin master and being the child of an immigrant couple, she has her biases. What is a scream for me (hilarious) is that she identifies herself as a libertarian. Really Adrienne? Adrienne, I saw you last night on the MSM newscast mocking Max’s move to create a new party. But Adrienne, isn’t Max the closest thing to Libertarianism in Canadian mainstream politics? You know what I think, Adrienne? I think you are a shill for uber-mutliculturaism and rampant immigration, especially from certain key (preferred?) countries/sub-continents.
Terry Gain says
Scheer was not my first choice but parties cannot function unless the members unite behind the leader. I agreed with Bernier’s statement about multiculturalism. I think Canada is screwed if we do not end Muslim immigration. At the same time I have not the slightest doubt that only a gradualist approach will succeed.
By dividing opposition to Trudeau, Bernier has accused himself of stupidity and narcissism. I find him guilty on both counts.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
“By dividing opposition to Trudeau, Bernier has accused himself of stupidity and narcissism. I find him guilty on both counts.”
But then one could say the same of Trump. He divided the Republicans but look at all the wonderful things that have come out of his Presidency. He’s proven the populist program to the vast majority of the American people.
(BTW, I don’t think Trump and Bernier are stupid or narcissistic.)
What if Scheer, by sheer disaffection (yes, a pun was intended) of the electorate, got into power next year? And what if Scheer, once in power and by sheer mediocrity, underperformed and unimpressed that same electorate? Would that not be worse for the conservative/populist cause? This is a long-term game. I think we want to put our best foot forward to show Canadians that a populist/conservative plan is the best way forward, and not just get Trudeau out of power.
Terry Gain says
Flavius
Canada is not the United States. Not even close. The United States has 2 major parties. We have 3. Trump defeated Clinton. If Trump, Clinton and Cruz had been on the ballot, Clinton would have won.
gravenimage says
Yes–this is the only that concerns me about this–a split of the conservative vote now would be disastrous.
StellaSaidSo says
It’s a gamble, Flavius, but it may well pay off. Canadians rightly want to be rid of the drama queen, but Scheer doesn’t look like he plans to be any tougher on immigration or curbing Muslim predations. Bernier might be the strong leader Canada needs..
Terry Gain says
A promotional email from Ezra Levant states the obvious.
” Ezra reports on Maxime Bernier’s departure from the Conservatives, to start a new party. Bernier outlined disagreements he had with Andrew Scheer, including Scheer’s support for supply management, but Ezra doesn’t think that grievance should have been impossible to resolve. He also says Bernier’s move will split the right-wing vote and guarantee Justin Trudeau another majority government in 2019″!
Older Canadian says
No the party will not be split. Conservatives main goal wll be to get rid of Trudeau. They will not fall into the same trap as in the 90’s when they split via The Reform Party. Lesson learned!! Mr. Bernier will be scaraficed although I agree with most of his ideals are correct and these topics need to be addressed.
Tom says
I agree but still have a concern about a possible split in the Conservative vote.
The last thing we need in Canada at this juncture in our history is a re-elected Trudeau specifically because Max Bernier caused a split.
Vote the conservatives into government then deal with the leadership issue afterwards. But throwing the baby out with the bathwater by voting for a new right wing party will achieve nothing other than to condemn Canadians to the very things Bernier railed against for at least another four years.
Terry Gain says
Exactly.
Terry Gain says
Older Canadian
I agree. Those backing Bernier live in la la land.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
The Zen master said, “we’ll see …”
PABLO says
Steven Harper should just shut up. He lost an election to a drama teacher, because he lacked the ability to addressed the bogus claim of a Syrian kid drowning, which proved to be a fake.
Now, that Trudeau has brought in Syrians, the self hating Jew, John Tory, mayor of Toronto, is asking for more funds to support the Syrians, while some seniors are eating cat and dog food to make ends meet.
PABLO says
address the bogus claim.
Terry Gain says
Pablo
I would prefer that you shut up. You don’t even have the courage to comment under your real name.
PABLO says
It is nice that you have the courage to comment under your own name, so that everyone can see what and idiot you are. Harper lost to a drama teacher and people like you can’t face that fact that your anointed one is accusing Bernier of dividing the vote, when he does not have the courage to call out Scheer for his support of supply management and warped multiculturalism.
So Terry Gain You Shut Up!
Terry Gain says
Pablo
Don’t let facts get in your way. I didn’t anoint Scheer. I preferred Bernier. Scheer won.
Your comments are stupid and disconnected from reality.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
You mean your name is actually Terry Gain!?
Terry Gain says
Yes. 71 year old retired lawyer. I am very well qualified to opine. Fair balanced, very educated, experienced and unafraid.
You?
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
Obviously, I’m not a long-dead emperor. Forced into retirement by the Temporary Foreign Workers program, or whatever it’s called. Not a lawyer. Over educated. Scared shitless because I’ve seen people shamed into ruin and solitude, right in front of my eyes. I like the adage: ‘Better to live and fight another day.’
Well I’ll be … I think I just found you online …. You are unafraid. Good for you!
StellaSaidSo says
Hats off to all who remain unafraid!
But don’t be too hard on those who don’t post under their real names. Some of us have very sound reasons for using noms de plume.
gravenimage says
Steven Harper was a lot better than Trudeau.
StellaSaidSo says
Steven Harper’s dog was a lot better than Trudeau.
Terry Gain says
All these brave people standing behind Bernier. Not one has the courage to use his actual name.
Fantasists all.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
We’ll see.
gravenimage says
Canada: MP Maxime Bernier quits to start new conservative party, citing “extreme multiculturalism,” “fake Conservatives”
……………….
This sounds hopeful.
Magali Marc says
«Maxime Bernier will be the new Donald Trump of Canada.»
That is so stupid and short sighted, it makes me laugh!
Bernier gave an interview yesterday saying he wants to be a Canadian Macron (the pro-Islam president of France)!
http://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/politique-canadienne/201808/24/01-5194184-maxime-bernier-jaimerais-bien-etre-le-macron-canadien.php
Chantal says
Macron is the worst globalist president in the western world. How can Bernier want to be the Macron? Trudeau is the Macron of Canada with his policies. On FB, there are some comments that Bernier is being paid by the globalists. With this kind of speech by Bernier, now we have to wonder if that is true. Macron, yes the pro-islam president).
Carol the 1st says
Magali Marc…there is nothing in that article at all that implies Bernier wants to be anything like Macron (other than the first paragraph which compares to how Macron left a party a year before election and won – I’ve Google Translated below). Macron being pro-Islam has nothing to do with Bernier (and Chantal can probably find many on FB casually accusing virtually anyone of “being paid by the globalists”):
“I’d like to be the Canadian Macron,” he said on Friday. Macron left the Socialist Party a year before the presidential election *and was elected* president of France. “
strong aingel says
Crypto-Islam — its not the first time is it? That vesre 6:123 means what is says “its wicked men to plot (and burrow) therein” (ALI); “the great ones to be its guilty ones” (SHAKIR); “great ones of its wicked ones” (PICKTHAL); “great ones of its wicked people” (KHAN); “greatest of its criminals” (SAHEEH). Five versions given here, because as we all know the koran is so clear and precise no one can actually translate it; a fact that conveniently permits different transliterations to be supplied to different [conflict] zones, for particular purposes…. “but they conspire not against themselves, and they perceive it not” [SAHEEH]
Chantal says
Although Scheer threw Bernier under the bus along with other MPs, Maixme Bernier is still standing up and is not wavering even a bit. To say that Bernier does not represent the conservative Canadians is truly false; maybe Bernier does not represent the politically correct Conservative party, it is correct.
Scheer missed a huge opportunity to rally the party and side with Bernier who is entirely correct about the extreme multiculturalism and the dairy milk industry. Extreme diversity is now a disease. We are so sick of it. Canada is supposed to be proud of the Canadians like myself who are of the descendants of the founders of Canada who have mixed with the First Nations. We have been here for hundreds of years. To say that Canada is a nation of immigrants is entirely false.
Investigate Gov Corruption Now says
Maybe, Maime Bernier will pull the conservatives from going over the edge.