People's Party of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier confronts a leadership review in the wake of a poor outcome in the 2025 federal election.The PPC secured less than 1% of the national vote, and Bernier himself finished fourth in his Beauce riding with just 5.8% support.The leadership vote launched today and will be open to eligible party members until June 20 at midnight. Voters must have been a PPC member since, on, or before the April 28 federal election. The ballot asks a simple question: “Do you support Maxime Bernier remaining as leader of the People’s Party of Canada?” Members have an option to respond “Yes” or “No.”.GOLD STANDARD: Bernier calls for Canada to stockpile gold again.It is common for political parties to undergo a leadership review after an election. The PPC held a review in December 2021, where Bernier garnered 95.6% of the vote. He is still popular within his party, though some say it’s time for a new face.The 2025 leadership review, initiated by the PPC's executive committee, seeks to assess members' confidence in Bernier's leadership.Bernier, who founded the PPC in 2018 after leaving the Conservative party, has consistently promoted a platform centered on smaller government, more personal freedoms, and solidifying national sovereignty. Despite these efforts, the party failed to gain significant traction in the recent election..WATCH: 'TIME FOR STRONG REFORM' — Bernier launches PPC election campaign in Montreal.In the lead-up to the election, Bernier emphasized the need for strong reform and free trade with the United States."We need to have free trade with the US," Bernier told the Western Standard during the campaign, highlighting the importance of resolving trade disputes and reducing tariffs. He also criticized Canada's supply management system, stating, "The dairy cartel is hurting Canadian consumers and farmers."Bernier's campaign further focused on reducing equalization payments to provinces, particularly in Western Canada — a stance no other political party dared to take. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre confirmed during the campaign he would not make any “big changes” to the system."The PPC will reduce equalization payments," said Bernier during the campaign, arguing that the current system is unfair to Alberta..WATCH: ‘DAIRY CARTEL’ — Bernier issues message to Trump on resolving trade war.Despite these policy positions, the PPC's message failed to resonate with a broader electorate. Political analysts suggest that the party's decline may be attributed to the fading of pandemic-related grievances that previously fueled its support. Eric Merkley, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, told the CBC, "As the pandemic has receded into the background, they've lost a lot of that power."Bernier has acknowledged the challenges facing the PPC but remains steadfast in his commitment to the party's principles."The People's party will be there at the next election — in two years or four years — with the same ideas and the same platform," he told the state broadcaster, emphasizing the importance of the leadership review."It's very important for the democracy in our party. And depending on the result, I will stay or I will leave, but we'll see.”The outcome of the leadership review will be pivotal in determining the PPC's future direction. Should Bernier retain his position, he faces the formidable task of revitalizing the party's image and expanding its support base. Conversely, a change in leadership could signal a strategic shift aimed at reengaging disillusioned voters and redefining the party's role in Canadian politics.
