Maxime Bernier, leader of the People's Party of Canada, speaks to supporters in Saint John. (Danielle McCreadie/CHSJ News)
The leader of the People’s Party of Canada made a stop in Saint John Monday night.
Maxime Bernier spoke to dozens of supporters about his platform, and also shared his excitement to participate in the official leaders debates next month.
“I can tell you I am looking (forward) to that. My God, that will be fun. I think some of the other leaders are not so happy. They will have to speak truths. It won’t be a little discussion between them. I’ll be part of that, and I will ask them to answer the questions,” he said.
He says he’s glad the invitation was finally extended, because it’s part of democracy to have all the leaders participate in debate.
“I was very happy because October the 7th and the 10th, Canadians will be able to see all the options before voting on the 21st of October,” he said.
He says he plans on asking Justin Trudeau and Andrew Scheer questions about balancing the budget.
“It’s so important for the future generations. It’s not sustainable right now, a deficit of $20 billion a year, and Scheer and Trudeau are on the same page on that. They want to spend more and spend more,” he said.
PPC candidates Adam Salesse, Rudolf Neumayer and Meryl Sarty also introduced themselves at the rally.
The party is currently running candidates in eight out of the 10 seats.
Supporters Erik and Sue Allain were both in the audience. They say Bernier provides them with hope for change.
“This is a crucial time really. I’m tired of Canada being the laughing stock of the world. I don’t feel the other parties are up to the job. Not one bit whatsoever, and certainly not Trudeau,” said Erik.
Bernier is the first federal leader to step foot in the province since the election launched last week.
He heads to Fredericton on Tuesday, followed by Miramichi and Moncton on Wednesday.
