Bernier spoke to supporters inside a downtown hotel while protesters gathered outside the Marriot Harbourfront.

Supporters and protesters gathered at the Marriot Harbourfront hotel in Downtown Halifax Friday evening as People's Party leader Maxime Bernier visited the city.

Bernier spoke on his parties platform, including his views on how to better handle immigration and illegal border crossings.

Nova Scotia PPC candidates were also in attendance, although Sybil Hogg, a candidate for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook was absent.

Earlier this week, posts on social media surfaced, with Hogg calling Islam "pure evil".

Speaking with reporters, Bernier said the comments were taken out of context.

"She said that she was speaking about radical Islam and political Islam," Bernier said. "She apologized if that causes trouble."

Bernier was asked if his party would take any action regarding the posts.

"No consequences; I appreciate the conversation we had with her."

Outside the hotel, protesters gathered with signs saying "Refugees Welcome", "Halifax Against Hate" and "No Room for Racists".

One protester, who wanted to be identified as Kat says the PPC is taking Canada down the wrong path.

"They use economic problems as an excuse for racism," Kat said. "I don't believe he's legitimate, I think he's taking Canada down the wrong path."

There were no reported incidents between protesters and supporters.