Maxime Bernier introduces his new political party
The people of Canada, meet your new political party option: the People's Party of Canada.
Maxime Bernier — former Conservative MP, cabinet minister and Tory leadership contender before going rogue and branding the party "intellectually and morally corrupt" — unveiled the name of the new federal party he is hoping to lead into the 2019 election Friday.
"People are fed up with traditional politicians, I'm not a traditional politician," Bernier, told CBC Radio's The House. "I'm saying that what I believe is right, and if you like it, perfect. Vote for me. If you don't like it, I don't mind — it's okay," he said.
Bernier said what sets him apart from other party leaders is his willingness to not please "every special interest group to gain votes."
"For me, the time for political correctness is finished and the population I think appreciates that, they appreciate the authenticity," he said.
With just under 400 days to go until the 2019 election, Bernier said he is confident he will run a full slate of 338 candidates.
"The goal is to have strong riding associations ready before the end of December in every riding in Canada," he said.
Bernier, who will be returning to Parliament on Monday for the fall sitting as an independent, said it will take time to register the party with Elections Canada, but in the meantime, it's full steam ahead when it comes to political fundraising.
Bernier said he has raised $140,000 so far. He added that he is respecting Elections Canada's rules, including maximum limits for donations.