Over 30,000 members have joined in the riding so far

The inaugural meeting of the Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada has drawn interest in the Central Okanagan.

Bernier was in Vancouver Sunday and unable to attend the meeting in the federal riding of Kelowna-Lake Country. The meeting, however, attracted 150 people. The party says it has attracted 30,000 people across the country.

Glen Walushka, a regional organizer withe PPC, said the party is made up of 60 per cent of people who are under 40 years of age. He said the party is attractive to younger voters because it looks to build itself through a “bottom up” approach.

He says that the party will not follow Bernier but will work together as a team.

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“It is exponential growth and it is astounding. What it tells me is that there were people who are very much motivated by same kinds of concerns and same values as Maxime Bernier. He boils it down to four words or concepts that a lot of people identify with,” said Walushka.

The PPC’s website says its platform is still being finalized, but Walushka said that it is focused on freedom, personal responsibility, fairness and respect. He added it would be more transparent with Canadians (then other political parties) if Bernier becomes prime minister.

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During an Kelowna-Lake Country meeting, at the downtown library, the PPC looked to establish a constituency association and elect local directors and establish their roles.

“The enthusiasm in the room was quite astounding really,” said Walushka.

Walushka claimed membership of the PPC now exceeds that of the Green Party of Canada.

After he quit the Conservative party in late August, Bernier founded the PPC.

“It’s a chance to participate on the ground level, and it gives them (members) a chance to participate,” said Walushka.

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