People's Party of Canada (PPC) leader Maxime Bernier announced Thursday that he will run again in Beauce, the riding he represented as a Member of Parliament from 2006 to 2019.
At a press conference in St-Georges-de-Beauce, Bernier focused on Canada’s economic future amid a looming trade war with the United States, proposing a deal with former U.S. president Donald Trump that would include an overhaul of Canada’s supply management system.
“We need to stop burying our heads in the sand,” Bernier said. “Supply management is one of the two most contentious issues for Americans regarding our trade relations with them. And as we've seen, Donald Trump seems determined to take all necessary measures to achieve his goals.”
Bernier, who lost the Conservative Party leadership race in 2017 after campaigning to dismantle supply management, acknowledged that his stance has been politically costly. He argued, however, that time has proven him right and extended an offer to work with dairy producers on a reform that he says would benefit all Canadians.
Presenting himself as the only candidate capable of defending Beauce’s economic interests, Bernier posed pointed questions to voters: “How many exporting businesses in Beauce are you willing to endanger to protect the costly and inefficient supply management system? How many thousands of manufacturing jobs in Beauce do you think we should sacrifice?”
He contrasted himself with his political opponents, suggesting that his chief rival, who has ties to the dairy industry, would prioritize sectoral interests over the broader economy.
Bernier also emphasized his credentials, citing his past experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs and his willingness to secure compensation for dairy producers in the event of a trade agreement with Trump.
