"We have a strong message for families," says Bernier as supporters gather in Winkler Saturday

With the Portage-Lisgar by-election just over a week away, supporters of People's Party of Canada (PPC) candidate Max Bernier gathered at Winkler's Parkland Stage Saturday to show their support. The event, which was called Freedom Fest, included speeches by Bernier and several others, as well as activities for families in attendance.

Prior to the rally, earlier in the week, PembinaValleyOnline connected with the PPC leader for an interview regarding the campaign, and what he's hearing on the ground from voters.

"I'm very happy, it's going very well," stated Bernier when asked how he feels the election campaign has gone so far. "I can tell you, we are on the ground. I have a big team here, and I'm going door to door speaking with people in the riding, and I'm very encouraged by what I'm hearing at the doors. It is a conservative riding and conservative minded, and that's okay, because I'm telling people I'm the only real conservative choice that you have. (Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre) Poilievre and the Conservatives won't speak about the evil gender ideology that's everywhere, and also it is in the riding here."

Bernier noted he's fighting for real conservative values, and he is speaking to regain the country. He added the only challenge he's running into when talking with voters is the concept of there being a vote-split, which he disagrees with, and has been telling voters why.

"People are saying, 'Maxime, I like your ideas. I like your fight, You want to protect the unborn, you are rejecting the climate hysteria. You won't sign the the Paris Accord, and I agree with that, but I don't want to split the vote, and (be) set up with (Prime Minister Justin) Trudeau. I want to get rid of Trudeau'. I'm telling them it's a by-election, it cannot happen. You have the Trudeau government right now, and June 19th, you will have the Trudeau government. It's not a general election. At the same time, people in the riding, here in Portage-Lisgar, never elected a Liberal since the creation of that riding. I said it's a two horse race in this riding, me and the Conservative. I can be your insurance policy that Poilievre will be honest, because I will support the Conservatives when they have the courage to be Conservative, and when not, I will shame them."

Bernier shared, by electing him on June 19th, the riding will have a strong voice in Parliament fighting for common sense and populist ideas.

"You have a unique opportunity to vote for your values and to send a strong message, not only to Trudeau, but also to the Conservatives, because I believe, and that's the reality, the Conservative Party of Canada is taking your vote for granted," he said. "Send a strong message that you want to have an open discussion about reopening the abortion debate, and having a country that is a country you share and you love, and you want to regain our country. It will be a nice opportunity to send that message June 19th."

Prior to Saturday's rally in Winkler, Bernier spent much of the week meeting with people in communities across the riding.

- With files from Randy Lilley -

Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson speaks to the crowd Saturday