Local PPC candidates excluded from Chamber debate
By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier is on his way to Chatham-Kent.
The controversial leader of the fledgling party – quickly gaining ground from freedom fighting anti-vaxxers – is expected to make a stop at the Ultimate Sports Bar Sept. 15 to shore up support for the PPC.
Chatham-Kent–Leamington candidate Liz Vallee said a fundraising lunch will be held.
The Chatham resident, who is campaigning on rights and freedoms and less government involvement, said the party is experiencing a groundswell of support.
“It’s changed in our favour dramatically,” Vallee said of the latest polling numbers.
Despite that fact, Vallee won’t be attending the upcoming Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce federal election forum slated for Sept. 9.
“It (the decision) screams discrimination to me and to the party,” Vallee said.
“But I’m not surprised.”
The Chatham-Kent chamber has excluded Vallee and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex hopeful Kevin Mitchell based on national polling numbers.
Bernier is also excluded from national debates.
Vallee said she is “shocked and disappointed” the PPC is being shut out, considering they could win the riding.
Vallee has been a vocal opponent of mask and vaccine mandates, calling them a violation of basic rights.
The Chamber event is billed as a Young People Business Inspired Federal Election Forum.
