There is “no justification” for Quebec MP Maxime Bernier to leave the Conservative Party of Canada, said York-Simcoe’s representative.
Bernier, MP for the Quebec riding of Beauce, announced his departure from the party during a news conference Thursday, while his colleagues gathered in Halifax for a party convention.
“It’s kind of disappointing. There’s no justification for him leaving,” said York-Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan, who is retiring from politics next month.
“The questions he’s raised, the issues he’s raised... There’s plenty of room for people with his views in the party. You never agree with 100 per cent of the policies.”
Issues Bernier supports, such as lower taxes and smaller government, are also championed by other members of the Conservative Party, said Van Loan.
Bernier has been criticized recently for a string of tweets condemning Canada’s immigration system and the number of immigrants coming to the country.
Bernier recently referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s support for diversity as “radical multiculturalism.”
While some ministers reportedly considered kicking Bernier out of the party this week, Van Loan said he was not in favour of that option.
“One can quibble over the wording (of Bernier’s comments). Most Canadians want to see (immigrants) embrace our Canadian values, and that’s what they do,” he said, adding the Conservative Party is “proud of our Canadian heritage.”
Van Loan said many people agree with Bernier’s views.
“I share a lot of them. I believe in a rules-based immigration system,” he said.
However, Van Loan said he disagrees with Bernier’s decision to start a new political party, saying it is “absolutely not” necessary for Canadians to have another party from which to choose.
“At the end of the day, this is just Maxime himself. I’m confident the party will continue,” he said. “I think Maxime’s departure is a bit of a blip that will be forgotten fairly soon.”
