People’s Party of 1? Bernier files to register new party, but so far he’s the only candidate

OTTAWA – Quebec MP Maxime Bernier is trying to make his political movement official.

READ MORE: ‘I am not a communist’: Maxime Bernier doubles down on People’s Party name amid criticism

The Quebec MP clutched a thick brown folder under his arm as he arrived at Elections Canada offices in Gatineau, Que., this morning to seek official registration for the People’s Party of Canada.

For now, Bernier is the only candidate but he says there are already 43 riding associations in place and more candidates will be recruited in January.

WATCH: Past video coverage of Bernier’s policies and the creation of the People’s Party

People who want to be in our party, need to share our values: Bernier

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People who want to be in our party, need to share our values: Bernier

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Bernier say he will end the cartel of supply management with People’s Party

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Maxime Bernier believes he can win next federal election

Bernier was a Conservative MP for more than a decade before leaving the party in August amid a dispute with Leader Andrew Scheer, mainly over the party’s support for supply management.

Many on the conservative side of the political spectrum fear Bernier’s party will split the right-wing vote, allowing the Liberals to easily win another majority government.

READ MORE: Maxime Bernier officially launches new conservative People’s Party

While he doesn’t agree entirely with the platform of the incoming Coalition Avenir Quebec government in his home province, Bernier says he’s encouraged by the fact that people were willing to vote for a new party.