Maxime Bernier, leader of the PPC and a candidate in Canada's federal election, drew criticism on Twitter after he referred to teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg as "mentally unstable." On Sep. 4, Bernier appeared to go back on that statement, instead referring to Thunberg as "brave," and deserving of admiration. Maxime Bernier's new Twitter thread on Greta Thunberg did, however, note that climate groups are using Thunberg as a "pawn" and a "shield." In the five-tweet thread, Bernier begins by stating that he "received a lot of criticism for a tweet where [he] was mentioning the mental health problems that Greta Thunberg herself and her mother publicly discussed." He then went on to say that he did not mean to "denigrate" her in any way, nor did he mean to do it to anyone else dealing with Thunberg's conditions. 1/5 I received a lot of criticism for a tweet where I was mentioning the mental health problems that Greta Thunberg herself and her mother publicly discussed.My goal was absolutely not to denigrate her or whoever deals with these conditions.— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) September 4, 2019 2/ On the contrary, she is a brave young woman who has been able to overcome her problems and deserves our admiration for that.I wanted to show that the choice of influential groups and the media to make her a spokesperson for climate alarmism is not innocent.— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) September 4, 2019 In the next tweet in the thread, Bernier writes that Thunberg is "a brave young woman who has been able to overcome her problems." In further tweets, Bernier shifts back to an argument against climate alarmism, writing, "Greta's call to 'panic' and to radically transform society without further debate, because we have no time to avoid a catastrophe, is particularly dangerous, especially for young people here and everywhere that she influences." 3 / These groups use this young woman as a pawn and as a shield to prevent any criticism of the message. That's the real scandal.I should have expressed this argument without referring directly to her personal situation.— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) September 4, 2019 4 / Greta's call to “panic” and to radically transform society without further debate, because we have no time to avoid a catastrophe, is particularly dangerous, especially for young people here and everywhere that she influences.— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) September 4, 2019 Bernier finished his five-tweet thread by saying that he will continue his opposition to "disastrous" policies. He also noted that he wanted to offer "a realistic vision based on confidence in the future." 5 / I will continue to criticize and oppose this alarmist vision and the disastrous policies that come with it, whether they come from Greta, Trudeau, McKenna, May, or whoever. And to offer a realistic vision based on confidence in the future.— Maxime Bernier (@MaximeBernier) September 4, 2019 The responses to each tweet in Bernier's thread were varied, with some users continuing to criticize Bernier for his remarks, and others showing their support for the candidate. Some of Bernier's supporters even seemed to show disappointment at what they saw as Bernier succumbing to political pressure. Never apologize or admit guilt to the left Maxime. That justifies them and angers them even more. These people are incapable of rational thought.— Steven Pye - PPC (@ppcsteve) September 4, 2019 I wish you would tweet more like this - considered, respectful, articulate - instead of attacking. Your ideas are new to voters; you could explain them without getting personal.— Tanya Lea (@TanyaMLea) September 4, 2019 For what it worth, I did disagreed with one phrase you used, but I have not left your corner. You still have my full support. I'm pretty certain you understand it's ok to disagree on a comment, but agree on the topic. I applaud you for staying true to your morals & convictions.— Kaylin Miller (@KaylinMiller13) September 4, 2019 There is no debate. No one is “using” Greta. She wants action on a problem that science has already decidedly proven. You should too.— Peter F. Jackson (@pjackson_nl) September 4, 2019 You have not corrected any of this. I see it as you knowing you affected a huge possible vote base. That being said, as a parent of children just like @GretaThunberg you can kiss my ass . Dangerous is PPC— Rain Lafarge (@LafargeRain) September 5, 2019 Greta Thunberg has not replied to Bernier's tweets, nor has she mentioned them on her own Twitter timeline. There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram.
