Notorious US-based far-right podcaster and illiberal populist Alex Jones recently provided a platform to Maxime Bernier, leader of the fringe Canadian far-right populist People’s Party of Canada (PPC), inaccurately labelling him as the “top conservative leader in Canada” and endorsing him as “the top person who should be their next Prime Minister.”
In his interview with Alex Jones, Maxime Bernier claimed the war in Ukraine was orchestrated by “globalists,” reflecting conspiracy narratives that portray international elites as secretly manipulating geopolitical conflicts. He downplayed Russian aggression against Ukraine stating explicitly, “Russia is not our enemy”. Instead, Bernier provocatively argued that Canada’s real adversary “is our federal government,” employing populist anti-government rhetoric used to stoke distrust toward Canadian institutions.
Alex Jones is at the forefront of US-based conspiracy-driven media, predominantly through the Infowars platform. His claims range from denying the Sandy Hook school shooting’s authenticity to suggesting a clandestine global cabal orchestrates world events. In alignment with multiple Kremlin propaganda narratives, he portrays Russia as unjustly vilified and regularly amplifies false narratives aimed at eroding support for Ukraine.
He fervently promotes pro-Trump rhetoric, championing unfounded election fraud allegations. Though subjected to extensive criticism, deplatforming, and defamation lawsuits, his determined dissemination of conspiratorial content continues to shape beliefs among his illiberal populist followers in the United States and Canada.
Neither Bernier nor his People’s Party of Canada has ever secured a seat in Parliament. In the 2021 federal election, the PPC received only 5% of the popular vote nationwide, and Bernier himself captured just 18% of votes in his own electoral district.
Bernier has supported controversial and conspiratorial positions in the past. He actively opposed COVID-19 health measures. He supports conspiracies like the “Great Reset“. Additionally, he aligns with pro-Trump populist ideology, amplifying claims of widespread election fraud. These positions position him firmly within fringe political discourse in Canada.
