Maxime Bernier

Saturday November 25, 2023

The Conservatives' rejection of the Canada-Ukraine trade agreement based on false claims of a carbon tax requirement is seen as a disappointing dog whistle to far-right supporters, raising concerns about Mr. Poilievre's leadership and commitment to democratic values.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday November 25, 2023

Poilievre’s Rejection of Ukraine Trade Agreement: A Disappointing Dog Whistle to Far-Right Supporters

Both Joe Biden and Justin Trudeau are contending with declining public support, faced with doubts about their leadership abilities and growing concerns regarding their electability and potential successors within their parties.

November 9, 2023

In a recent House of Commons vote on the Canada-Ukraine free-trade agreement, all parties except the Conservatives endorsed the accord. The Conservative party justified their rejection by claiming that the agreement would require Ukraine to impose a carbon tax. However, this claim is false.

Chapter 13 of the agreement explicitly states that the parties will cooperate to promote carbon pricing and measures to mitigate carbon leakage risks. Nowhere does it mandate Ukraine to impose a carbon tax. Furthermore, the Ukrainian government approved the wording of the agreement.

It is disheartening to see the Conservatives use this fictitious carbon tax as an excuse to oppose stronger trade ties with Ukraine. One can’t help but wonder if this is merely a political strategy to appease far-right supporters who lean towards Trump, deny climate change, apologize for Putin, and support the fringe People’s Party of Canada (PPC) led by Maxime Bernier.

Opinion: Pressed on Ukraine trade deal, Pierre Poilievre tells tales

August 9, 2023

The Liberal party may be attempting to paint Mr. Poilievre as a Donald Trump clone, as Trump and his supporters have shown an irrational fondness for Vladimir Putin and opposed aid to Ukraine. Interestingly, Maxime Bernier, leader of the PPC and a self-proclaimed MAGA wannabe, also opposes aid to Ukraine, suggesting a troubling alignment of views.

Mr. Poilievre’s eagerness to win back the support of the PPC and elements within his own base, while also showcasing his unwavering opposition to carbon taxes, seems to have overshadowed his support for a democracy under threat. This decision not only provides the Liberals with political ammunition but also raises concerns about his readiness to lead the country.

September 9, 2023

While the Ukraine vote might not have a significant impact on the upcoming election, it is crucial to focus on pressing economic issues such as inflation, interest rates, housing shortages, and overall economic competitiveness. Canadians are looking for solutions to the challenges we face, and it is disappointing that Mr. Poilievre seems to have turned his back on Ukraine at a time when he needs to demonstrate his leadership abilities.

Rejecting the Ukraine trade agreement based on false claims of a carbon tax requirement is a disappointing dog whistle to far-right supporters. It raises questions about Mr. Poilievre’s priorities and his willingness to stand up for democratic values. As Canadians, we deserve leaders who prioritize the greater good over political posturing.

 

Tuesday August 1, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday August 1, 2023

A Midsummer Night’s Fairy Tale

Act 1, Scene 1 (A mystical forest in Ottawa. The political leaders, dressed in Shakespearean attire, gather around a table adorned with inquiry documents.)

King Trudeau (Oberon): Hear me, fair leaders of this land! We must address the dragon of foreign interference that threatens our realm!

Puck (Singh): Worry not, my liege! With a public inquiry, we shall tame the dragon’s influence and protect our sovereignty.

Demetrius (Poilievre): (sarcastically) A public inquiry, you say? A mere midsummer’s dream, sire.

Lysander (Blanchet): Indeed, sire. Let us postpone this inquiry for now, and revel in the joys of midsummer’s mirth.

King Trudeau: (hesitant) But, noble leaders, the people demand answers! The dragon of foreign influence grows stronger each passing day.

August 2, 2019

Act 2, Scene 1 (The mystical forest transforms into a midsummer festival. Citizens dance and celebrate while the politicians engage in jovial banter.)

King Trudeau: (laughing) Behold! The people have forgotten the inquiry amidst their merrymaking!

Puck: (mischievously) Shall we enchant their minds with revelry, my lord? The inquiry will seem but a distant dream.

King Trudeau: (grinning) A splendid idea, Puck! Let the festivities continue, and the inquiry shall slumber, undisturbed.

Demetrius: (to Lysander) See how the people dance, while we evade the dragon’s threat with our laughter.

Lysander: (nodding) Indeed. The dragon sleeps peacefully, and the inquiry remains forgotten.

July 31, 2008

Act 3, Scene 1 (The mystical forest returns to its solemn state. The inquiry table remains untouched, and the sleeping dragon statue looms in the background.)

Puck: (apologetically) My lord, we have let the inquiry slumber while the dragon’s influence grows stronger.

King Trudeau: (sighing) We have let the people’s trust falter, and the shadows of foreign interference grow darker.

Demetrius: (earnestly) Let us not lose ourselves in this midsummer’s revelry. The inquiry must awaken!

Lysander: (repentant) You are right. The inquiry must stir from its slumber, and we must confront the dragon’s influence.

June 29, 2023

Act 4, Scene 1 (The political leaders stand before the inquiry table, determined to face the dragon’s threat.)

King Trudeau: (resolute) The dragon of foreign interference shall not rule us. The inquiry shall commence!

Puck: (earnestly) We must seek the truth and protect our realm from the dragon’s meddling.

Demetrius: (with conviction) We can no longer evade our responsibilities. The inquiry must awaken!

Lysander: (sincere) The dream of a transparent and just investigation shall become a reality.

(The inquiry proceedings begin, and evidence of foreign interference is revealed. The people witness the leaders’ commitment to justice, and trust is gradually restored.)

November 20, 2020

Epilogue (In the wake of the inquiry, a new era of transparency and accountability dawns. The mystical forest glows with hope, and the sleeping dragon representing China begins to stir.)

King Trudeau: (addressing the people) We have faced the dragon’s threat and emerged stronger. Our realm shall remain resilient against any meddling.

Puck: (smiling) The inquiry’s awakening has brought the truth to light, and the people’s trust is restored.

Demetrius: (to Lysander) No longer shall we hide from the dragon’s gaze. The inquiry has set us free.

Lysander: (proudly) The Midsummer’s Inquiry has awakened our sense of duty, and our land shall thrive once more.

(The citizens cheer, celebrating the newfound accountability and unity in the realm. As the dragon representing China stirs, the political leaders stand ready to face any challenge that comes their way. The mystical forest remains vigilant, knowing that a new chapter in their history has begun.)

Wednesday June 21, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 21, 2023

Right-Wing Purgatory: The Delusional Quest for Comebacks by Conservative Leaders

April 26, 2022

In a bizarre right-wing purgatory, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre, and Maxime Bernier find themselves entangled in their own web of delusions, desperately seeking earthly comebacks to lead their respective governments. However, their chances are slim, and their attempts at redemption border on the comical and ultimately futile.

In Canada, the landscape is rife with conservative leaders vying for right-wing supremacy. Pierre Poilievre and Maxime Bernier, leaders of the Conservative Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada, respectively, showcase the internal divisions within conservative politics. The recent Portage-Lisgar by-election exposed their opposing stances, with Conservatives resorting to exploiting anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments to undermine Bernier’s credibility. Yet, Bernier managed to retain significant support, revealing the endurance of his party’s platform, even among those holding anti-Pride views. It’s a convoluted mess of contradictions and reveals the challenges these leaders face in navigating sensitive topics to appeal to a broad voter base.

News: Liberals, Conservatives take 2 seats apiece in 4 federal byelections  

December 16, 2019

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson’s transformation into a Trump-like figure is evident. From his resignation letter styled after Trump’s brashness to the inadequate response by the Conservative Party to his Party-gate actions, Johnson’s resemblance to Trump is hard to ignore. While British institutions successfully removed Johnson from office and parliament, the condemnations from the Tory party have been weak, reminiscent of the mistakes made by Republicans in handling Trump. The Tories risk storing up problems for the future if they fail to address Johnson’s actions and reject his lies, as the Republicans did with Trump.

April 6, 2023

As for Donald Trump himself, he faced arraignment in Miami on charges related to the intentional retention of classified documents and obstruction of justice. Remarkably, this marked the second indictment against Trump within three months, adding to his long chain of corruption. Despite his legal troubles, Trump remains a leading contender for the Republican nomination, and his team seems undeterred by the chaos surrounding him. Other Republican candidates have been hesitant to confront him directly, hoping that the weight of the charges will prove insurmountable. The lack of forceful opposition from candidates and GOP leaders indicates that voters are unlikely to change their stance, further entrenching the perception divide between Republicans and the rest of the country.

The future remains uncertain for these conservative leaders as they battle their way back to power. Their shamelessness and unwavering arrogance set them apart from other politicians, but it is precisely these qualities that render their comebacks comical and futile. The prolonged stay in right-wing purgatory serves as a stark reminder that political redemption is not guaranteed, even for those who once held significant influence.

Opinion: Trump, Johnson and the real problem with populism  

May 16, 2023

The delusional quest for comebacks by Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre, and Maxime Bernier paints a vivid picture of right-wing purgatory. As they grapple with internal divisions, exploit anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, and face legal troubles, these conservative leaders find themselves trapped in a realm of their own making. Their chances of reclaiming power dwindle as their antics and refusal to be held accountable alienate their own party members and the broader public. The lesson is clear: political redemption requires humility, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the people, qualities that these leaders sorely lack. (AI) | Editorial Cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star.

 

Tuesday May 16, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday May 16, 2023

Maxime Bernier’s PPC and its potential impact on the Conservative Party

August 17, 2018

The People’s Party of Canada (PPC) and its leader Maxime Bernier are making headlines again, with Bernier announcing his candidacy in a coming byelection in rural Manitoba. He has called the vote a “two-horse race” between himself and a “fake conservative”, suggesting that he sees the Conservative party as his main competition.

The PPC’s showing in the last federal election suggests that Bernier’s prediction may not be too far off. In Portage-Lisgar, where the byelection will be held, the PPC candidate received 22% of the vote. While that may not seem like a significant portion, it is enough to potentially split the right-wing vote and give the Liberals or the NDP a better chance of winning the seat.

Opinion: Pierre Poilievre needs to unite Canada’s conservatives 

December 14, 2022

The PPC’s rise has been a concern for the Conservative party since Bernier split from the party in 2018. Since then, Bernier has been a vocal critic of the Conservatives, accusing them of being no different from the Liberals and NDP. He has also rallied against what he sees as Canada’s moral and cultural degeneracy, which he believes has been worsened by the pandemic.

Despite his criticisms, Bernier has not indicated any plans to merge with the Conservatives. Instead, he has compared the PPC to the former Reform Party, saying he has learned from their mistakes. However, the possibility of vote-splitting remains a real concern for the Conservatives in upcoming elections.

While it remains to be seen how the PPC will perform in the next federal election, it is clear that they are a force to be reckoned with. Whether they will be the deciding factor in future races or merely a footnote remains to be seen, but their influence on Canadian politics should not be underestimated. (AI)

 

Thursday October 21, 2021

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday October 21, 2021

Vaccine mandate coming to House of Commons, MPs rule

Anyone entering the House of Commons precinct — including MPs — will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Nov. 22, the Board of Internal Economy has ordered.

Thursday August 19, 2021

The new rule starts on the day the 44th Parliament kicks off.

“This requirement will apply to any person who wishes to enter the House of Commons precinct, including members and their staff, political research office employees, administration employees, members of the parliamentary press gallery, parliamentary business visitors, contractors and consultants,” said Speaker Anthony Rota in a statement.

The cross-party committee of MPs that oversees the workings of the House of Commons made this decision following a two-hour closed-door meeting on Tuesday.

August 17, 2021

“Details with respect to the implementation of the Board’s decision are being developed and will be communicated in due course,” reads the Speaker’s statement. “These decisions were made to meet ongoing recommendations from public health authorities to help limit the spread of COVID-19 within the work environment.”

The House is considering people to be fully vaccinated 14 days after they have received the recommended doses of one or a combination of Health Canada-approved vaccines.

September 17, 2021

The decision to include MPs as part of the vaccination mandate comes amid discussions over parliamentary privilege and whether there would be a different set of rules for elected officials than there would be for those around them.

The Liberals, New Democrats, and Bloc Quebecois have said that all their MPs are fully vaccinated, though the Conservatives have continued to refuse to say how many of their MPs are vaccinated. Given the timing of this order coming into effect, it’s possible unvaccinated Conservatives would not be able to enter the House of Commons next month unless they have a medical exemption.

According to the new policy, in cases of individuals who have a “medical contraindication,” they will have to provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test to be able to enter the buildings that are part of the House precinct. These requirements to get on the Hill will not apply to anyone under the age of 12.

This news follows the federal government announcing on Oct. 6 that “core” federal public servants will have to attest to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 29 or face being put on leave without pay by Nov. 15.

While the House of Commons and Senate were not part of that mandate, they were among the federal employers asked to mirror the government’s vaccine policy in developing their own approaches. (CTV)