The recent success of Republican Party and former President Donald Trump in the US elections is making waves in Canada, where right-wing leaders are challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s policies on immigration, climate change, and government spending.
People’s Party of Canada (PPC) leader Maxime Bernier has been one of Trudeau’s loudest critics, calling for Canada to adopt a more conservative approach to avoid being “outcompeted” by the US.
After Trump’s victory, PPC chief Bernier issued a blistering critique of the Trudeau government.
“Canada needs to cut government spending, cut taxes, cut excessive red tape, get rid of its costly and inefficient climate policy, abolish all its insane DEI programs, stop mass immigration, and create a business climate where workers, entrepreneurs, and investors can thrive. Or else we will be hopelessly outcompeted by the US, suffer a major brain drain, and see our standard of living drop,” Bernier said.
Bernier, a longtime critic of Trudeau’s immigration stance, has argued that high immigration levels contribute to rising gang-related violence in Canadian cities.
He also condemned Trudeau and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre for their silence on violent incidents took place on November 3, involving supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement.
“Not one of these cowards dares to even name the Khalistani Sikhs who are committing the violence. They’re afraid to offend some voters, even though Khalistani supporters are a minority of Sikh Canadians. This complacency explains why Khalistani extremism keeps growing in this country,” he posted on X.
When the Hindu Sabha Temple in Toronto was attacked earlier this month, Bernier was one of the few Canadian politicians to openly call out the perpetrators as Khalistani supporters. He had also targeted Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh for not naming Khalistani elements.
His firm stance on the matter has garnered praise from Canadian Hindu organisations, with the Hindu Forum Canada recently lauding Bernier for his willingness to confront extremism, even at political risk.
“The silence of other leaders, who prioritise voter appeal over public safety, continues to enable the growth of radical ideologies that endanger our communities,” the Hindu Forum Canada said in a statement.
“As Canadians, we deserve leaders who denounce violence and hate without hesitation. Our votes should reflect values of justice, accountability, and a commitment to peace.”
As the pressure builds, Trudeau’s political future faces uncertainty, especially with the opposition currently leading in projections for the 2025 federal election.