Immigration to Canada would be slashed by more than 50 per cent under a People’s Party government — and those allowed to enter will require greater skills, an ability to pass a “values test” and no expectation of bringing their parents and grandparents after them, Maxime Bernier vowed Wednesday night in a fiery, nativist speech to 400 cheering supporters in Mississauga.

Less than a week after cancelling an appearance at a mysterious location in Guelph amid fears his rally would be targeted by protesters, Bernier evidently intended to make a loud and populist splash this time around, inviting media to witness the laying down of a hardline gauntlet on immigration in one of Canada’s most multicultural cities.

Bernier began his speech challenging accusations of racism head on: insisting that while both he personally and his party despises prejudice in all forms, the People’s Party will break “the taboo” of immigration to Canada by forcing the conversation upon the country.

Targeting both his rival Conservatives and Justin Trudeau’s Liberals alike, Bernier — whose party thus far is languishing with less than 3 per cent support in polling for October’s federal election — said the centrepiece of his immigration policy will be a drastic reduction to “between 100,000 and 150,000 immigrants per year” — less than half of current levels.

Those who are allowed to enter Canada, said Bernier, will require needed skills for the Canadian marketplace. And they “must be willing to leave some of their loved ones behind,” he said. Bernier pledged to “abolish programs for parents and grandparents.”

On multiculturalism, Bernier observed that a People’s Party government “will never force people to abandon” their culture. “But that doesn’t mean we have to support it with taxpayers money,” he said, outlining a plan to recraft Canada’s multicultural legislation with a Canada-first emphasis.

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Bernier targeted the Liberals over the tens of thousands of irregular migrants who have crossed into Canada in recent years, saying the government has “not lost control of our borders — they are deliberately intending to erase it.”

Acknowledging the tragedy of refugees worldwide, Bernier urged Canadians to offer financial support in any way they can. But he then proceeded to outline a policy that would see refugee levels slashed in favour of higher-skilled immigrants, with a series of reforms emphasizing performance on the points-based system that is part of Canada’s current immigration program.

Bernier offered little detail on the nature of his proposed “values test” on newcomers, other than saying it would involve a “phased” process to ensure prospective immigrants would integrate smoothly into Canadian society.

But he went on to elaborate on what he viewed as essential elements of Canadian values, listing off an affinity for “Western civilization, democracy, freedom,” along with equality for men and women, protection of LGBT rights and a willingness to allow criticism of religion.

Noting that more than 41 per cent of all immigrants to Canada settle in either Toronto or Vancouver, Bernier said year-over-year increases are a factor in the housing crisis gripping both cities. “It is time to take down the taboo and have a real debate,” he said.

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Accusing his political opponents of demonizing Bernier’s views, the People’s Party leader also extended his critique to the media, Trump-style, saying reporters contribute to the distortions. In raising his argument for an immigration crackdown Bernier quoted at length from a number of conservative writers, including Neil Bissoondath’s book “The Cult of Multiculturalism In Canada.” Then, looking up, he cautioned reporters not to distort the words.

“If case there is a CBC journalist covering this,” said Bernier, “please note these writers are not far-right white supremacists.”

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