'We want freedom': Hundreds take part in Bernier rally in Chatham
Hundreds of People’s Party of Canada (PPC) supporters called for “freedom” at a rally held by party leader Maxime Bernier in Chatham-Kent.
“I believe that a lot of Canadians like you will ask to themselves, if they want more government control or more freedom,” Bernier addressed the crowd.
During his speech, the far-right politician called for an end to vaccine mandates and says he’s standing up for the freedom of choice.
“Enough is enough, we want to gain back our freedom,” says Bernier.
Hundreds of supporters attended a Maxime Bernier rally in Chatham, Ont. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. (Sijia Liu/CTV Windsor)
“I totally agree with what he’s saying, we are not against vaccines, we are not against masks. But the mandate, forcing it on people, that is totally wrong,” says rally attendee, Ajay Gapta.
Some local supporters of the People’s Party of Canada say they used to vote Conservative.
“Frankly I feel the three main parties have very similar platforms, but none of them have talked about their constitutional rights and freedoms,” PPC supporter Denise Herniman explains.
According to CTV News’ latest report conducted by Nanos Research, the PPC has been gaining ground throughout the country with major surges in British Colombia and Ontario.
“The support for Bernier is really a reflection of frustration that people throughout Canada, particularly in Ontario where we have had lockdowns,” says Lydia Miljan, University of Windsor political science professor.
Hundreds of supporters attended a Maxime Bernier rally in Chatham, Ont. on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. (Sijia Liu/CTV Windsor)
The latest polling shows the PPC has 6.8 per cent support, bumping the party up to fourth place. As for who Canadians prefer as their next prime minister, Bernier also ranks fourth, surpassing the Bloc Quebecois and Green Party leaders.
With the Liberals and Conservatives going head to head in the final stretch of the campaign, Bernier’s party splitting votes among right-leaning voters could impact O’Toole’s path to power.
“The question is, do the PPC love Bernier enough to vote for him or do they hate Trudeau enough to vote for the conservative leader Erin O’Toole?” says Miljan.
It’s unclear if the rising popularity will reflect in the polls. In Chatham-Kent, PPC candidate Liz Valle will campaign against Conservative Dave Epp (incumbent), Liberal Greg Hetherington, NDP Dan Gelinas, and Green Party Mark Vercouteren.
Bernier made his way from Chatham to London where he spoke at Wonderland Gardens before departing for a rally in Aylmer Wednesday evening.
A cross-section of Londoners as well as PPC candidates were on hand for the event.
Among the crowd were members of the Aylmer Church of God, business people and at least one London city councillor.
Candidates touched on topics of freedom and mask wearing.
- With files from CTV London's Bryan Bicknell
PPC Leader Maxime Bernier speaking at Springbank Gardens in London, Ont., Sept 15, 2021. (Source: Darrin Calcutt)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.