Stefan Marquis was a Conservative candidate challenging Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault, who has represented Laurier-Sainte-Marie since 2019. CBC
A Conservative Party candidate in Montreal has been removed after posts he made on social media. Stefan Marquis, who was running in Laurier-Sainte-Marie, shared the news on Tuesday in a post on X.
He said a party official called him that morning to inform him that some members of the party believed his recent posts were reason enough to end their collaboration. The call lasted less than a minute, he said.
Marquis expressed frustration over the decision, saying the party had cut ties with a loyal ally. He also claimed the party had acted against the principle of freedom.
He stated that opinions should be respected, both for individuals and the citizens they represent. He ended his post by saying that Canadian politics now punishes people for sharing opinions on social media.
He did not mention which specific posts led to his removal. However, he said the party had already reviewed his X account before approving his candidacy on March 27. He added that all his posts since then, except his nomination announcement, remained visible on his profile.
Social Media Posts on Controversial Topics
The Conservative Party confirmed that Marquis was no longer a candidate. However, a party spokesperson declined to give a reason for his removal.
Marquis had previously shared posts related to conspiracy theories. These included comments about COVID-19, vaccines, the World Economic Forum, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
His removal is not the only case of a Conservative candidate being dropped during this election. Another candidate, Mark McKenzie, who was running in Windsor—Tecumseh—Lakeshore, is no longer in the race due to past controversial comments.
Another Candidate Dropped Over Past Comments
McKenzie, a Windsor city councillor and former radio host, was removed after old remarks surfaced. A news outlet uncovered a 2022 podcast where McKenzie allegedly supported public hangings. He also joked that then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should face the death penalty.
This discovery led to his removal from the race.
Upcoming Election
Canada’s federal election is set for April 28. In Laurier-Sainte-Marie, Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault has held the seat since 2019.
