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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