Meet & Greet w/ Maxime Bernier & Robert Bard

Friday’s grassroots rally at the Holiday Inn Express in Spruce Grove opened with half an hour of Alberta‑bred country soul from singer‑songwriter Lyndsay Butler. Her set – including “Prairie Settler Song”, “Trailer Park Pretty” and an Ian Tyson tribute – celebrated prairie stubbornness, freedom and community, warming up a packed room of PPC supporters and curious locals.

Jason Lavigne, PPC candidate for Parkland and host of The Lavigne Show, welcomed everyone, thanked the volunteer crew and previewed two follow‑up town‑halls on Alberta independence (Saturday) and COVID accountability (next weekend). He reminded the crowd that “there’s no vote‑splitting in Parkland – this election, you finally have a real choice.”

Next, Robert Bard—a Canadian Forces veteran and PPC candidate in Edmonton Manning—explained why he left political “homelessness” to join the PPC, linking the party’s principles to a military culture that “takes care of its people.” 

When Maxime Bernier arrived, the room erupted. In a wide‑ranging 30‑minute address, he recounted his path from private‑sector banker to Harper‑era cabinet minister, and his 2015 bid for CPC leadership.

He laid out the PPC’s four core principles – individual freedom, personal responsibility, respect and fairness – and argued that every policy must flow from them.

He also criticized Pierre Poilievre’s “big‑show‑for‑nothing” rallies and regional pandering, warning Albertans that the CPC will pivot to the GTA, Quebec, and BC focus once the campaign ends.

He urged attendees to “become ambassadors” by sharing the message with ten friends and voting for their values, not for “the lesser of two evils”.

A lively Q&A covered defence shortfalls, parental rights, media bias, faith and family policy. The evening closed with calls to action: grab a lawn sign, sign up to volunteer, and keep independent journalism alive.

For those who missed it, the recording delivers great music, candid stories and an unfiltered look at a party that says Alberta’s voice must finally be heard. Watch, share, and join the conversation about real change.

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