The recent success of the Republican Party and former President Donald Trump in the US election is creating waves in Canada, where right-wing leaders are challenging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s policies on immigration, climate change and government spending.
Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada (PPC), has been one of Trudeau’s most vocal critics, calling for Canada to adopt a more conservative approach to avoid being “excluded” 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 expensive and inefficient climate policy, repeal all its insane DEI programs, stop mass immigration, and create a business climate where workers, entrepreneurs and investors “Otherwise we will be disenchanted with America, suffer a massive brain drain, and our standard of living will decline,” Bernier said.
Bernier, a longtime critic of Trudeau’s immigration stance, has argued that high immigration levels contribute to increased gang-related violence in Canadian cities.
He condemned Trudeau and Conservative leader Pierre Poilivre for remaining silent on the Nov. 3 violence involving supporters of the Khalistan separatist movement.
“Not one of these cowards would even dare to name the Khalistani Sikhs who are doing the violence. They fear offending some voters, even though pro-Khalistani are a minority of Sikh Canadians. This complacency explains why Khalistani extremism. It keeps growing in the country,” he posted on X.
When Toronto’s Hindu Sabha temple was attacked earlier this month, Bernier was one of the few Canadian politicians to openly call the perpetrators pro-Khalistani. He also targeted Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh for not naming Khalistani elements.
His strong stand on the issue has won praise from Hindu organizations in Canada Hindu Forum Canada Recently praising Bernier for his willingness to confront extremism, even at political risk.
“The silence of other leaders who prioritize voter appeals over public safety perpetuates the growth of radical ideologies that threaten our communities,” Hindu Forum Canada said in a statement.
“As Canadians, we deserve leaders who unhesitatingly condemn violence and hatred. Our votes must reflect the values of justice, accountability and a commitment to peace.”
As pressure mounts, Trudeau’s political future faces uncertainty, especially as the opposition currently leads in projections for the 2025 federal election.