Mad at Max: Bernier's People's Party of Canada is revolting in British Columbia
VANCOUVER—Maxime Bernier's newly minted "smart populist" party may be crumbling in British Columbia amid allegations of racism, xenophobia and an infiltration of the radical far-right.
Through numerous interviews with current and former members, the Star has learned of an exodus of original People's Party of Canada (PPC) provincial organizers and followers. They suggest original party faithful are disillusioned and leaving by the dozen. An online petition by PPC members is also calling for the removal of the party's national co-ordinator.
Two former co-ordinators — Daniel Joseph and Angelo Isidorou — have publicly resigned online.
"I can't stand idly by and be associated with a party that fosters these kinds of people," Isidorou told Star Vancouver on Monday. "The party that existed just a few months ago is not the same party now."
Isidorou, 22, was the Electoral District Association (EDA) president for Vancouver-Quadra and the temporary campaign manager for the PPC's unsuccessful candidate in February's Burnaby South byelection. He also serves as director of UBC's Free Speech Club, which has faced visceral public outrage for bringing in controversial speakers that critics have called white nationalists.
Isidorou announced his resignation from the party in a March 29 online post, writing the PPC is an "utter free for all" and has been "hijacked by egomaniacs."
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On the same day Isidorou posted online, Joseph, EDA president for Kelowna-Lake Country, announced his resignation via a Facebook video, claiming the party has taken on "hateful overtones." The video currently has more than 12,000 views.
In it, Joseph said he joined the party because Bernier wanted to do politics differently. However, he continued, it was with a "heavy heart" he wanted to call out racist, homophobic, xenophobic and "hateful influences" within the party.
"Racists and bigots that spew hatred and play divisive, political games to tear this party up from the inside out need to be called out," he said. "Max Bernier, you talk about strong leadership. It's time to get your ship in shape before the election."
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In the video, Joseph named Walushka as part of the hateful contingent within the PPC. The Star reached out to him on Monday.
Walushka initially responded via email saying the allegations were baseless, inaccurate, without merit and the "lowest form of political subterfuge." He promised further comments by end of day but has not responded since.
The next day, Mennie said the party would not comment. A Twitter account attached to Mennie's name was active on Monday but deleted by Tuesday morning.
Walushka helped found Alberta's fledgling Wildrose party before moving back to B.C. in 2011. He is a former BC Conservative, a party affiliated with the federal Conservatives — which has moved to the fringe, commanding an average of only 2.5 per cent of the vote over the last three elections.
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