The Member of Parliament (MP) who narrowly missed becoming the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, let loose with a series of tweets on Monday that harshly criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “cult of diversity.” Maxime Bernier, who is fond of quoting philosopher Ayn Rand and who advocates a strict libertarian economic policy, was a prominent cabinet minister in the former Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He set off a firestorm of debate on Twitter as he slammed Trudeau’s diversity mantra.
Having people live among us who reject basic Western values such as freedom, equality, tolerance and openness doesn’t make us strong. People who refuse to integrate into our society and want to live apart in their ghetto don’t make our society strong.
— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) August 13, 2018
Trudeau’s extreme multiculturalism and cult of diversity will divide us into little tribes that have less and less in common, apart from their dependence on government in Ottawa. These tribes become political clienteles to be bought with taxpayers $ and special privileges.
— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) August 13, 2018
Although some condemned Bernier for being intolerant, Toronto Sun columnist Tarek Fatah — a Muslim — applauded his words.
Today’s tweets on ‘multiculturalism’ by @MaximeBernier accurately reflect the thoughts of most Canadians, especially those of us who escaped cultures of oppression based on racial & religious superiority that validated gender apartheid, homophobia & absence of individual liberty.
— Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) August 13, 2018
Bernier’s own leader, Andrew Scheer, appeared to want it both ways, issuing a statement that attempted to appease all sides:
“Canada has been built by people from all over the world coming here to enjoy the freedom, prosperity and equality that our country offers,” it read.
“Conservatives will continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions made to Canada from people from diverse backgrounds that have enriched our history and our society.”
Trudeau, meanwhile, was unfazed by the criticism, repeating some of his favorite expressions during a Monday speech in Prince Edward Island. “These are things that make us strong. Our differences are always a source of strength in Canada.”