People’s Party of Canada hosts “Freedom Rally” in Strathmore

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The People’s Party of Canada (PPC) hosted a rally on Sept. 17, in Strathmore as a sort of conclusion to their election campaign in a final attempt to saw the votes of Albertans. 

Bow River riding candidate, Jonathan Bridges, said the event was originally intended to be hosted in Calgary, but due to provincial health restrictions limiting indoor gatherings, the team decided to host outside in Strathmore instead.

“It’s a chance to have people see Maxime in person and chat with him and see what he has to say. We were going to do it in Calgary, but with the restrictions that came in, we needed and outdoor event,” he explained.

“We found a place that was able to be used for this, so the people didn’t have to wear masks indoors.”

Bridges added the PPC did not entertain any further concerns for provincial health guidelines or restrictions.  

“We’re not concerned and if people are concerned here, they can distance themselves as much as they want.”

Currently in Alberta, outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 200 people — a number that was far exceeded during the PPC’s rally. 

Not a single person in attendance wore a mask, nor were people distanced six feet apart. 

The PPC campaigned on a platform of civil liberties and pro-choice for Canadians, particularly regarding COVID-19 vaccines. The party also took a firm stance against the idea of mandatory vaccination passports.

“Let’s take back our freedoms. We don’t want to have our population locked down, we don’t want to have people forced to take medical treatments that they don’t want,” said Bridges, who himself is not COVID-19 vaccinated.

“Why are the vaccinated people scared of anybody if the vaccine even works? It really doesn’t make any sense to me why we’re going to segregate our community and have a ‘show me your papers’ type of society.”

Though he himself has abstained from becoming COVID-19 vaccinated, Bridges believes if anyone wishes for the vaccine, they should still have access to it.

He added he would prefer to see studies continue for a period of five years before he would feel comfortable taking the vaccine.

Further, Bridges is against mandating the use of masks, suggesting that the practice is redundant.

“I don’t think masking mandates are effective at all. It’s just oppressing people and I’m not in favour of it.”

Party leader Maxime Bernier said he was both excited to and also wanted to make a point by concluding his campaign in Alberta. 

“Our message is powerful and it’s based on common sense and our principles of the foundation of this country.”

Bernier has earned himself the nickname, “The Albertan from Quebec,” which he boasted with pride as he addressed the crowd.

“Our biggest challenge during this election is that still some Canadians don’t know that we exist. We are a young political party … imagine if we had fair coverage from the CBC and the mainstream media.”

“This election will be an important step for the PPC. This political party is here for the long term.”

At the conclusion of the election on Monday, the PPC did not win a single seat in Parliament. However, according to the polls, support for Bernier and the PPC did increase over numbers that were seen last election.

Incumbent Conservative Party candidate for Bow River riding, Martin Shields once again won his seat with a landslide victory.