As a free marketeer, I typically do not publicly support candidates for political office.
The following interview with the leader of the People's Party of Canada, Maxime Bernier, was recorded in March. I also want to be transparent and disclose that my friend Mimi Lee is running for the Markham-Thornhill seat in Ontario, and Mr. Bernier and I also have mutual friends within libertarian and classical liberal circles. Despite these connections, the focus of this interview remains on exploring current Canadian economic and social issues from a non-mainstream liberal perspective.
Productivity and Economic Growth:
Bernier argues Canada's productivity has significantly slowed due to excessive government regulation, high taxes, and business subsidies.
He proposes deregulation, lower business taxes (a 15% flat tax), eliminating capital gains tax, and ending business subsidies to stimulate investment and productivity.
He also argues that mass immigration has lowered GDP per capita, creating an illusion of growth while making individuals poorer.
He suggests a pause on immigration to force businesses to reinvest in automation, and therefore increase productivity.1
Government Spending and Deficit:
Bernier criticizes the combined federal, provincial, and municipal deficits, advocating for a balanced budget within a year.
He proposes cutting foreign aid and withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and UN migration compact.2
Trade and International Relations:
He advocates for free trade, including eliminating interprovincial trade barriers and renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement to include the removal of supply management cartels in dairy, poultry, and eggs.
He supports an open, not isolationist, Canada.
He expresses concern about Chinese and Indian interference in Canadian politics and advocates for stricter controls on foreign investment, particularly from China, in natural resources.
Immigration:
Bernier proposes a temporary pause on immigration to address housing and healthcare crises.3
He advocates for a streamlined immigration process with face-to-face interviews and a focus on immigrants who share Western civilization values.
He is against the current system where people use student visas or temporary work permits as back door ways to become permanent residents.
People's Party of Canada:
Bernier describes the party as a populist, free-market party aiming to increase its vote share.
He emphasizes the party's commitment to individual freedom, personal responsibility, respect, and fairness.
He claims that he is principled, and that his party does not focus on polls.4
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